News DeskDoha, Qatar – As part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, the Ajyal Film Festival, presented by the Doha Film Institute, will feature a specially curated selection of contemporary Moroccan short films. This programme, ‘Made in Morocco’, captures the essence of Morocco’s rich cultural landscape and evolving social fabric.
In partnership with the Marrakech Short Film Festival and Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, Ajyal will offer audiences a unique glimpse into the creative vibrancy of Morocco’s emerging cinema scene. This showcase follows the earlier ‘Made in Qatar’ screenings at the Marrakech Short Film Festival, paying tribute to the strong cultural ties between Qatar and Morocco.
Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of DFI and Festival Director, remarked, “The special showcase of Moroccan short films at Ajyal is a testament to the power of cinema to bridge worlds and bring people closer together. By celebrating Morocco’s rich cinematic storytelling here in Qatar, we honour the deep cultural ties that connect us and reaffirm our shared commitment to understanding, unity, and friendship through the arts.”
Highlighted Films in the ‘Made in Morocco’ Programme:
The Scarecrow (Morocco/2024) by Anas Zematiis: A story about Said, who longs for a better future with his beloved Zineb, exploring the courage needed to pursue change amidst uncertainty.
Why Did You Leave The Horse Alone? (France/2023) by Faouzi Bensaïdi: A contemplative exploration of decision making in the creative process, set against the vastness of nature.
Moon (Palestine, France, Qatar, Jordan, UAE /2024) by Zineb Wakrim: Telling the story of Hasna and Samad, who find solace in painting, exploring themes of isolation and resilience.
What Else Grows on the Palm of Your Hand? (Morocco, Belgium, France /2023) by Dhiaa Biya: A visually intimate film exploring the bond between Hayat and her late grandmother.
Bye Bye Benz Benz (France, Morocco/2023) by Mamoun Rtal Bennani and Jules Rouffio: A documentary following Kbir, one of the last Mercedes taxi drivers in Morocco, capturing the nostalgia and inevitability of change.
Bottles (Morocco/2024) by Yassine El Idrissi: About 13-year-old Said, who collects empty bottles to sell, challenging his family’s and community’s beliefs while wrestling with personal conviction.
The ‘Made in Morocco’ programme will be screened at various festival venues from November 16 to 23, 2024. Each screening will be followed by live discussions with the filmmakers, providing audiences with deeper insights into Morocco’s contemporary cinema landscape and the creative processes behind these compelling works.
