Cand article is a company press release, it was not written by TelQuel journalists.
The awards ceremony for short films from the Higher Institute of Audiovisual and Cinema Professions (ISMAC) lit up the stage of the Mohammed V National Theater in Rabat during a moving and festive event. For the first time in the history of the MedFilm Festival, a prize dedicated to young cinema talents, called the MedFilm Festival Prize, was awarded, thus offering unprecedented recognition to promising young directors. This 3rd edition marks an important step in the promotion of emerging voices in Moroccan cinema.
The evening was marked by moments of emotion and celebration, during which three winners were rewarded for their short films, works that were both poignant and innovative. This award, symbolizing the recognition of the new generation of Moroccan filmmakers, opens the doors to international visibility for them.
The winning works, chosen by a jury composed of cinema professionals Tarek Ben Abdallah, Esmeralda Calabria and Gianfranco Pannone, are as follows:
- 1er prix (2’500 euros) : Anas Bouzammour pour Living ;
- 2ème prix (1’500 euros) : Ibrahim Benjaber pour A Day or Part of the Day ;
- 3rd prize (1,000 euros): Soufien Salamat for Soul Balance.
In addition to these three winners, three other short films made by ISMAC students were nominated for this first edition: Shifting Sand by Ibtissam Idrissi, Ali by Hamza Benwakrim, and My Friend Seddik by Omar Zaafoui.
His Excellency Armando Barucco, Ambassador of Italy to Morocco, underlined the importance of this initiative, saying: “This edition of the MedFilm Festival in Rabat is a true celebration of dialogue between cultures. The talent of young Moroccan filmmakers, whom we have the honor of rewarding, testifies to the immense potential for collaboration between our two countries. These artistic initiatives strengthen the ties that unite us and create lasting cultural bridges. »
Carmela Callea, Director and Cultural Affairs Attaché of the Italian Cultural Institute of Rabat, also expressed her admiration for these young talents, declaring: “The MedFilm Festival offers a unique platform to young Moroccan filmmakers, bringing them international visibility and chance to contribute to cultural rapprochement between the two shores of the Mediterranean. The Italian Embassy and the Italian Cultural Institute in Rabat will continue to support these initiatives which strengthen artistic and cultural ties between our countries. »
The MedFilm Festival Prize constitutes valuable recognition for young Moroccan directors. By offering this award, the festival amplifies the voice of emerging talents and strengthens their international vocation. In addition, the first prize winner will have the honor of participating in the competition for the Methexis Prize during the 30th edition of the MedFilm Festival in Rome, from November 7 to 17, 2024.
Hakim Belabbes, Director of ISMAC, proudly expressed the importance of this achievement: “It is with immense joy that we see our students receive this recognition. The MedFilm Festival embodies a shared vision: the union of peoples through culture. Our young filmmakers are true ambassadors of our identity and our cultural diversity. Their future is bright. » This statement particularly resonates within ISMAC, one of the partner institutions of this edition of the festival.
In the same vein, Ms. Ginella Vocca, founding president and artistic director of the MedFilm Festival, also underlined the importance of this initiative: “We are delighted to celebrate the talent of young Moroccan filmmakers. This prize crowns their work and opens a new stage in their career, by offering them international perspectives. » This message reinforces the spirit of the festival, which since its beginnings has highlighted promising creators from the Mediterranean region.
For the third time, the Moroccan capital, Rabat, hosts the MedFilm Festival, a prelude to the celebration of its 30th edition, which will be held in Rome from November 7 to 17. With a rich program, this folded edition, supported by the Italian Embassy in Morocco and the Italian Cultural Institute of Rabat, stood out for its commitment to promoting Mediterranean and European cinema. Organized in partnership with the Methexis Onlus Association and supported by local institutions such as the Hiba Foundation, Renaissance Cinema and ISMAC, it established Rabat as a true cultural hub. This success reflects the growing importance of artistic exchanges between the two shores of the Mediterranean, strengthening links through cinema and art, while highlighting the role of the festival in creating cultural bridges.
