- Title: MOROCCO: Women in Cinema honoured at film festival in the Moroccan city of Sale
- Date: 23rd September 2010
- Summary: MOHAMED EL KHIYARI, MOROCCAN COMEDIAN BEING GREETED BY THE CROWD
- Embargoed: 8th October 2010 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Morocco
- Country: Morocco
- Reuters ID: LVA7X2FL5M79IGC0JUNXB6NA0FEK
- Story Text: Women in Cinema were honoured at a film festival in the Moroccan city of Sale. The spectacle is specifically aimed at putting women at the forefront of cinema and celebrating their craft.
The festival, now in its fourth year, attracted stars from European and Arab countries.
Scores of locals turned out to welcome the stars like Egyptian actress Rihab al Gamal and Morocco's Nezha Regragu, who were dressed in their finery. Actors spoke of the important role women have in the trade as well as in society.
"I'm proud to take part in this festival as a woman and as an actress. Tonight, I wore my best dress because I consider this event as a festive occasion for women who managed to prove themselves in many fields. Why not celebrate women in a special occasion such as this one?" Said Moroccan actress Hanane El Fadili as she entered the Hollywood Cinema, the venue where the festival is being held.
Stars and jury members deciding on who the awards should go to were quick to point out that a spotlight should be shone on women and their role in cinema.
"We don't want to see women only on the fringes of cinema. We want her to be there in a prominent place because she is the mother, the sister and also the daughter. Women make up half of society and this is the reason why special attention should be paid to them. I also wish to see a female director make historical films about the women who changed history, '' said Moroccan actress Amal Temmar.
"The choice of the women as the main axis of this cinema festival by the Bou Regreg Association reflects one of its main objectives, and that is to go along with the national ambition to see women at the forefront of many fields," added Seddik Maaninou, who is on the festival's organising committee.
This year, twelve countries mainly from Europe are competing for the various prizes awarded by a jury of seven women and chaired by Macha Meril from France. Among those on the jury are Teresa Villaverde from Portugal, Egypt's Soumaya Al Khachab, Italy's Anna Pastore Sana and Cameroon's Veronique Mendouga.
"In general, Arab women have many problems and also their specific apprehensions that are not always known by everybody. The cinema can tackle these problems and negative aspects that effect her action and development. This is why it is an excellent thing to have a festival like this," said Egyptian actress and jury member Soumaya Al Khachab.
Five prizes will be awarded to the winners. They will be for the best film, the jury's special prize, the award for best scenario and also for the best male and female actors.
The festival which runs from the 21-25 September kicked off with the screening of Egyptian film 'Scheherazade Tell me a Story,' directed by Yousry Nasrallah.
The film tells the story of a female television presenter and her journalist husband. Its themes focus on managing relationships and career struggles which eventually results in the couple's marriage breaking down.
Films from the festival were also screened in public, mainly in poorer parts of the city, making cinema more accessible for the people.
The films in the festival focus on issues to do with women's rights, and this year's event also showcases short films made by or about women. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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