RAJA KHAYRAT

Morocco – The 18th International Women’s Film Festival, held in the city of Salé, Morocco, kicked off with film screenings, panels, and special ceremonies aimed at strengthening the role of women in cinema and media. The festival began on Monday, September 22, and will continue until September 27. The event is organized by the Abir Ragrag Association with the support of the Salé Municipal Council.

Women Can Illuminate the World Through Art

At the opening ceremony, Moroccan actors Souad Ennajjar and Farah El Fassi, journalist Sabah Bendouad, and Egyptian actress Hanan Motawie were presented with awards. Moroccan actress Farah El Fassi stated that she dedicates the award not only to herself but to all women who believe in their dreams and fight for freedom through art. Farah El Fassi emphasized that cinema is not just images, but “the mirror of souls and the voice of the voiceless,” highlighting the power of women’s creativity to change the world.

Egyptian actress Hanan Motawie described the award as “a reflection of all the successes and failures of her artistic journey.” Hanan Motawie added that she sees cinema not merely as a profession, but as a life story woven with the labor and voice of women.

International Competition Attracts Attention with Rich Content

In the official festival competition, ten feature-length films from Morocco, France, Spain, Germany, China, Czech Republic, Norway, Austria, Brazil, and Senegal are featured. The jury is chaired by Brazilian director Sandra Kogut. Other members of the jury include French Valerie Massadian, Lebanese Takla Chamoun, Moroccan Sanae Alaoui, and Rwandan Myriam U. Perara.

Awards in the competition will include the Best Film award, Best Actress and Actor awards, the Grand Prize, and the Special Jury Prize.

In the documentary film competition, five feature-length films from France, Belgium, Canada, and South Africa will compete. French producer Annie Ohayon-Dieckel chairs this jury, which also includes Gabonese-Belgian director Nativelle Pontalier and French screenwriter Laetitia Kugler.

Cinema, Culture, and Women-Focused Events

Panels on topics such as “Cinema and Censorship” and “Traces of Salé Women on Culture and Heritage” are organized as part of the festival. Additionally, a conversation between directors Khawla Asbab Benomar and Raouf Sabahi will take place, and a memorial session will be held for the late Moroccan artist Mohamed Choubi.

Meanwhile, Najate Nersi, a faculty member at Hassan II University, will introduce her book “Gender and Women’s Studies: Key Concepts” at the festival. The work aims to fill the terminology gap in the field of women and gender studies and to clarify concepts within an academic framework.