The 23rd edition of the International Festival of African Cinema opened in Khouribga, Morocco yesterday, Saturday, featuring 27 films from 15 countries, including Cameroon as the "guest of honor." Two Moroccan films, "Jalal al-Din" directed by Hassan Benjelloun and "The Oasis of Frozen Water" directed by Raouf Sabbahi, are competing in the long film category, which includes 12 films, while one Moroccan film, "Corbus," directed by Mourad Khallou, is participating in the short film competition, which features 15 films.
At the opening, the president of the African Cinema Festival Foundation, Habib El Maliki, stated that the festival is "an opportunity for African filmmakers to connect with audiences from various countries, express their voices, and present their works on an international level." He added that "the films in this edition reflect the linguistic, cultural, and geographical diversity of Africa, showcasing a variety of drama, comedy, and social documentaries."
During the opening, the festival honored filmmaker and producer Drissa Toure from Burkina Faso "in appreciation of his long and brilliant career, and his rich and impressive journey." The festival program, which runs until May 13, includes a seminar titled "Cinema: Memory and Future Vision," featuring Senegalese academic Maki Kassi and several specialists in the seventh art. Additionally, the fourth edition of the "Cultural Festival for African Inmates" will take place alongside the festival, featuring film screenings at the local prison in Khouribga.
