By Karima Rhanem | Morocco TIMES 11/14/2005 | 6:12 pm
Marrakech---Yash Chopra, one of the hippest and trendiest directors of Indian cinema was given the “carte blanche” to screen his eminent films during the Marrakech International Film Festival, currently held in Morocco's red city on Nov.11-19. Chopra, who is visiting Morocco for the first time, expressed his happiness to exchange and share ideas with figures of world cinema.
“I am happy to be here in Morocco. That's my first visit. I came here to share ideas with other film directors, and I wish to know more about Moroccan cinema,” Chopra told Morocco Times.
"I am very touched to know that I am already famous in Morocco, though it is my first visit. Moroccans know all my films and that's impressive," he added.
Chopra is the only director of the older brigade of Indian filmmakers who has successfully moved with the times right from his first film Dhool ka Phool (1959) to his latest film Veer Zara (2004).
“I am sensitive and I cry easily,” Chopra says. His sensitiveness is reflected in most of his films.
His picturesque, poetic images, often shot in Switzerland with melodious music, are charged with rich feeling, and in spite of all the gloss on screen, his films are more about life than lifestyle. He is reported to have the best musical sense of all filmmakers in the Hindi Film Industry today.
Chopra has been lately honoured for his sensitive and poetic contribution to Indian Cinema with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
His latest and most favourite film Veer Zara was screened on Sunday in the open square of Jamaa Lafna. The film, says the director, has made a very good business across the globe, as it stars Shah Rukh Khan (Veera Pratap Singh), Preity Zinta (Zara Hayat Khan) Rani Mukherjee (Saamiya Siddiqui), and Amitabh Bachchan (Sumer Singh).
The choice of screening Veer Zara in this popular square of Jamaa Lafna reflects the popularity of Indian cinema among the grassroots.
Jamaa Lafna is a square and market place in the centre of Marrakech. Its name is usually translated as assembly of the dead or collapse.
During the day it is predominantly occupied by orange juice stalls, youths with chained Barbary apes, and snake charmers who will pose for photographs for tourists.
At night the square is filled with about 50 food stalls, traditional healers, and many musical performers and story tellers.
Veer Zara, a touching story
Through Veer Zara, Yash Chopra proved again that he is the 'King of Romance'. The film tells the story of an Indian, Veer Pratap Singh (Shah Rukh Khan) who has been in jail for 22 years. Saamiya Siddiqui [Rani Mukerji], a Pakistani lawyer, comes to know about the man who is languished in a Pakistan jail cell for 22 years and has not spoken to anybody.
Saamiya is shocked to know his conditions and decides to help him. As a first step, she wants to find the truth about this man, what happened to him and to his love Zara.
She challenges all the obstacles she faces to prove to her late father, to the cruel prosecution lawyer (Anupam Kher) with whom she worked before, and to the whole Pakistani society that a woman could do better, even in jobs usually dominated by men.
“Veer Zara's story is not about an impossible marriage between Hindu and Muslims, because there is no opposition in that. Rather, the movie is about the Indo-Pakistani friendship,” Chopra told Morocco Times.
The story of Veer Zara actually starts from this scene, when Saamiya pushed Veer to speak by calling him by his real name for the first time after 22 years. Only then Veer felt the need to tell his story to Saamiya. The movie began with a flashback citing memories of Veer and how he came to be in jail.
The beginning of the movie was routine and there were dozens of songs in the first half. However, the scenes developed gradually to provide the audience with a different experience. The screenplay never let you down. New characters keep entering whenever the film tends to stagnate and rejuvenate the proceedings.
Veer-Zara is an immortal, beautifully narrated, love story. It's about Veer Pratap Singh (Shah Rukh Khan) and Zara Hayat Khan (Preity Zinta) who endured the suffering of their separation for 22 years.
Veer Pratap Singh used to be a rescue pilot with the Indian Air Force. He loved life and was always out to help others. One fine day Shah Rukh Khan met 'Zara', the daughter of an influential Pakistani politician (Boman Irani).
Zara was a simple girl, who was ready to marry the man of her parent's choice, Raza [Manoj Bajpai]. She came to India to fulfill her surrogate Hindu mother 'Bibi's [Zohra Segal] last wish: To immerse her ashes in the holy river.
The bus in which she was traveling had an accident, and Veer Pratap saved her life. They soon became friends and slowly fell in love with each other.
Zara, then, accompanied Veer to see the place where he grew up (Punjab). His uncle (Amitabh Bachchan) and aunt (Hema Malini), who have raised Veer (an orphan), also liked Zara very much.
Veer accompanied Zara to Atari Railway station to drop her to Pakistan and decided to confess his love to her. However, he realised that Zara would soon get married to Raza Shirazi (Manoj Bajpai), who was waiting for her at the station. Nonetheless, Veer expressed his love to her and told her that he would give up his life for her anytime.
While in Lahore, Zara found it difficult to forget Veer. Her maid Shabbo (Divya Dutta) called Veer in India and explained the situation to him.
Veer, then, gave up his job and went to Lahore. He met Zara in the presence of her family and her prospective in-laws. Raza (her fiancé) still wanted to marry her for his political future.
Zara's father was shocked when he knew about Veer-Zara's relationship, and fell sick. At this point, Mariam (Kiron Kher), Zara's mother went to beg Veer to return to India and to forget about Zara.
Veer accepted to leave after a dramatic scene, which was one of the touchiest moments in the film. However, as he entered the bus, Pakistani policemen arrested him under false charges of spying. Veer's arrest was under the instructions of Raza, who wanted to make Veer pay for ruining his life by pushing him to get married to a woman who did not love him.
Veer had not uttered a single word for 22 years to save the honour of Zara and her family. Veer thought that Zara has now so many children and lives happily with her husband. He never thought that she would ask for divorce and would wait for him for 22 years.
The bus Veer was supposed to take had a dangerous accident, and all the passengers died. Zara thought that Veer died in the crash. So, she asked for divorce and went to India to live with Veer's uncle and aunt in Punjab.
Saamiya traveled to India and brought Zara to Lahore, where she met her love after 22 years. Saamiya won her case as a lawyer, and Veer received an official apology from the Pakistani court, and was allowed to use his real name and go back to India.
The last scene of the film shows Veer (the Hindu) marrying Zara (the Muslim), abiding with the Indian tradition. Veer and Zara went together hand in hand to cross the Indian Pakistani borders, with a hope of living peacefully for the rest of their lives.
Shah Rukh Khan, in this movie, acted brilliantly when he transformed himself from a youth air force pilot in his twenties into a 50-year-old prisoner (the constantly ventures into flashback and present).
Veer Zara made Indian and Pakistani families exchange visits
Yash Chopra said “the movie had a great impact on the Pakistani and Indian communities around the world.
“The message I wanted to transmit through Veer Zara is that there should be no barriers to love. Veer and Zara's story can happen anywhere in the world,” the Bollywood director told Morocco Times.
“When I was presenting the film, I saw tears in people's faces. I have learnt that many families in both India and Pakistan have reviewed their perceptions after seeing the film. Many of those who hadn't visited their relatives for years have now started exchanging visits, and that's very important,” he added.
Chopra stressed that India and Pakistan should overcome their political problems and allow their peoples live in peace, love and harmony.
“We share the same landscape, almost same clothes, food and culture. So it is ridiculous that families are apart because of political conflicts,” he argued.
Indian pop culture on the rise
America isn't the only country that knows how to spin and export fantasies. India's pop culture is huge. Bollywood has millions of non-Indian fans in the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia, too.
Indian movies' dreamily suggestive dance numbers (Indian censors don't allow sex) go over well in many conservative societies. Given the choice between a “Steve Martin” divorce comedy and a musical about the virtues of God and family, Arabs, Africans and Southeast Asians often choose the latter.
“I am deeply touched by the story, I don't usually go to see Indian movies, but this one is just wonderful,” Mohammed, 37, told Morocco Times.
Meryem, 15, a high school student, said “I have never seen such an interesting Indian film like this before. The story makes you cry and laugh at the same time. The film director dealt wisely with the problems between India and Pakistan.”
For Hanane, a Marrakechi university student, “Indian movies are feel-good, all-happy-in-the-end, tender love stories with lots of songs and dances.” And this is why, she says, “they attract non-Indian audiences across the world.”
Mumbai directors, on their part, admit that they are adjusting their traditional, romantic themes slightly to new foreign audiences and changing tastes of overseas Indian audiences; but they insist the soul of Indian pop culture will remain unchanged, despite all the money and foreign interest.
Bollywood already sells around 6 billion tickets a year—with about 15 percent sold overseas. And the profits just keep going up.
Yash Chopra is attending the Marrakech International Film Festival accompanied by Indian actor Saif Ali Khan.
Chopra's carte blanche films will be shown at Le Rif and Saada theatres.
Chopra, an interesting career
Yash Chopra was born in 1932 in Jalandar, Punjab, India. His passion for cinema brought him to Bombay where he started out as a journalist, before assisting his brother, B.R. Chopra and directing films.
Success came to him early in his career right from his directorial debut with “Dhool Ka Phool” (1959), a melodrama about illegitimacy and communal violence. Two years later he won the President's Gold Medal for “Dharmputra (1961), as well as numerous awards for “Waqt” (1965), “Aadmi Aur Insaan” (1969) and “Ittefaq” (1969), a thriller with a bold storyline and no songs.
In 1970, Yash Chopra launched his own production banner, Yashraj Films, under which he made in 1973 the award-winning “Daag” while directing “Joshila” for other producers.
“Deewaar” marked a turning point in his career in 1975, making Amitabh Bachchan an overnight superstar and confirming his status as a trendsetter film director for generations of filmmakers.
Their collaboration over the following years brought them another series of critically acclaimed films, regarded as classics: “Kabhi Kabhie” (1976), “Trishul” (1978) and “Kaala Patthar” (1979).
Despite having experimented with various genres, and controversial themes, romance has remained Yash Chopra's speciality. “Silsila” (1981), “Chandni” (1989) starring the popular actress, Sri Devi, “Darr” (1993) with newcomer Shah Rukh Khan, and “Dil To Pagal Hai” (1997) follow the course of epic love triangles.
A keen interest for poetry, breathtaking locations, unforgettable melodies, brilliant picturisation and the ability of moving with the times are what have made Yash Chopra one of the most prominent film makers and producers of Bollywood.
Chopra's films screened at the festival
1959 DHOOL KA PHOOL (Blossom of Dust)
1961 DHARMPUTRA
1965 WAQT (Time)
1969 AADMI AUR INSAAN (Man and Humanity)
ITTEFAQ (Coincidence)
1973 JOSHILA (Zesty)
DAAG (The Stain)
1975 DEEWAAR (Wall)
1976 KABHI KABHIE (Sometimes)
1978 TRISHUL (Trident)
1979 KAALA PATTHAR (Black Stone)
1981 SILSILA (The Affair)
1984 MASHAAL (The Torch)
FAASLE (Distances)
1988 VIJAY
CHANDNI
1991 LAMHE (Moments)
1993 PARAMPARA (Tradition)
DARR (Fear)
1997 DIL TO PAGAL HAI
2004 VEER-ZARA
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By Karima Rhanem | Morocco TIMES 11/15/2005 | 6:10 pm
Marrakech---Yash Chopra, one of the hippest and trendiest directors of Indian cinema, was paid tribute on Monday at the Marrakech International Film Festival, currently held on Nov. 11-19 in Morocco's red city.
“I am happy to be here in Morocco. I am very touched to know that I am already famous in Morocco, though it is my first visit. Moroccans know all my films and that's impressive.” Chopra told Morocco Times.
On Sunday thousands of people gathered in Jamaa Lfna Square to watch Chopra's latest movie, Veer Zara.
The choice of screening Veer Zara in this popular square of Jamaa Lafna reflects the popularity of Indian cinema among the grassroots.
Veer-Zara is an immortal, beautifully narrated, love story. It's about Indian Veer Pratap Singh (Shah Rukh Khan), and Pakistani Zara Hayat Khan (Preity Zinta) who endured the suffering of their separation for 22 years.
The film tells the story of Veer who has been in jail for 22 years. Saamiya Siddiqui [Rani Mukerji], a Pakistani lawyer, comes to know about the man who is languished in a Pakistan jail cell for 22 years and has not spoken to anybody.
“Veer Zara's story is not about an impossible marriage between a Hindu and a Muslim, because there is no opposition in that. Rather, the movie is about the Indo-Pakistani friendship,” Chopra told Morocco Times.
Chopra is the only director of the older brigade of Indian filmmakers who has successfully moved with the times right from his first film Dhool ka Phool (1959) to his latest film Veer Zara (2004).
His picturesque, poetic images, often shot in Switzerland with melodious music, are charged with rich feeling, and in spite of all the gloss on screen, his films are more about life than lifestyle. He is reported to have the best musical sense of all filmmakers in the Hindi Film Industry today.
Marrakech---Yash Chopra, one of the hippest and trendiest directors of Indian cinema, was paid tribute on Monday at the Marrakech International Film Festival, currently held on Nov. 11-19 in Morocco's red city.
“I am happy to be here in Morocco. I am very touched to know that I am already famous in Morocco, though it is my first visit. Moroccans know all my films and that's impressive.” Chopra told Morocco Times.
On Sunday thousands of people gathered in Jamaa Lfna Square to watch Chopra's latest movie, Veer Zara.
The choice of screening Veer Zara in this popular square of Jamaa Lafna reflects the popularity of Indian cinema among the grassroots.
Veer-Zara is an immortal, beautifully narrated, love story. It's about Indian Veer Pratap Singh (Shah Rukh Khan), and Pakistani Zara Hayat Khan (Preity Zinta) who endured the suffering of their separation for 22 years.
The film tells the story of Veer who has been in jail for 22 years. Saamiya Siddiqui [Rani Mukerji], a Pakistani lawyer, comes to know about the man who is languished in a Pakistan jail cell for 22 years and has not spoken to anybody.
“Veer Zara's story is not about an impossible marriage between a Hindu and a Muslim, because there is no opposition in that. Rather, the movie is about the Indo-Pakistani friendship,” Chopra told Morocco Times.
Chopra is the only director of the older brigade of Indian filmmakers who has successfully moved with the times right from his first film Dhool ka Phool (1959) to his latest film Veer Zara (2004).
His picturesque, poetic images, often shot in Switzerland with melodious music, are charged with rich feeling, and in spite of all the gloss on screen, his films are more about life than lifestyle. He is reported to have the best musical sense of all filmmakers in the Hindi Film Industry today.
By Karima Rhanem | Morocco TIMES 11/12/2005 | 1:07 pm
Marrakech - The 2005 Marrakech International Film Festival (MIFF) opened on Friday in Morocco's 'red city' with a special tribute to the Moroccan-born actor Hamidou, and the US Director Martin Scorsese.
At last Hamidou Benmassoud, alias Amidou, was paid tribute in his country of origin, Morocco.
The five-year old festival had waited for long before it honoured this talented actor for his achievements in the world cinema.
Hamidou jumped from joy while seeing his daughter Souad handing him the trophy. He burst into tears while dedicating the tribute to his late son who died recently.
“You can't imagine how happy and pride I am to receive this tribute from my native country, which remembered me after 35 years of artistic career outside Morocco,” Hamidou told Morocco Times.
“This is a special recognition of the efforts I have made to better represent Morocco in France and elsewhere in the world,” he added.
Amidou, 63, made his debut in France with Madeleine Renaud and Jean-Louis Barrault in Jean Genet's 'Les Paravents' (The Screens) and had a hand in staging the controversial play in 1961.
He explored the world of Cinema thanks to French Director Claude Lelouch who gave him major roles in many of his films. Hamidou featured in 'Le Propre de L'Homme', 'And Now... Ladies and Gentlemen', 'Le Voyou', 'Une fille et des fusils'...
He has also worked overseas along with outstanding and famous Hollywood actors including Brad Pitt, Silvester Stalone, and Michael caine. He has also proved he could speak many languages.
Amidou was in the cast of Otto Preminger's 'Rosebud' (1975), of William Friedkin's 'sorcerer' (1977) and 'Rules of engagement' (2000), in John Frankenheimer's 'Ronin' (1997) and in Tony Scott's 'Spy Game' (2001).
The festival also paid tribute to legendary US film maker Martin Scorsese for his numerous masterpieces. Scorsese has been awarded the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1976 for his famous film 'Taxi driver'.
French actress Catherine Deneuve handed over the trophy to Scorsese. Legendary Moroccan folk musicians, Nas el Ghiwane played 'Ya Sah' song, which inspired the US director in his film, the 'Last temptation of Christ'. Member of the el Ghiwane group, Omar Essayed, offered the director a collection of his band's CDs.
Scorsese was pleased to meet el Ghiwane again and said 'I discovered Nas el Ghiwane in 1981 through their Album 'Al Hal'. Their music inspired many of my films,” he said.
Scorsese also expressed his gratitude to Morocco for “the help the Kingdom, people and government, offered him to facilitate the direction of his films shot in North African country,” he said.
To honour Martin Scorsese, a selection of eight films shot in Morocco chosen by him will be featured, including 'Le Grand Jeu', 'La Bandera', 'Transes', 'Epido Re' and 'Kundun', the 'Last temptation of Christ'.
Acclaimed French director, Jean-Jacques Annaud, who has often directed literary-flavored films which examine tensions between nature and the earthier human passions, presented members of this year's jury who will work for eight intensive days to choose the best film who will win the 2005 Golden Star.
Members of the jury include, along with Annaud (president of the jury), Abdelkebir Khatibi (Moroccan writer), Deepa Mehta (Indian director), Stefania Rocca (Italian actress), Hend Sabri (Tunisian actress), Leonor Silveira (Portugeese actress), Idrissa Ouedraogo (director from Burkina Faso) and Mary Sweeney (American screenwriter, producer and editor).
The opening of the event was highlighted by the screening of Stephen Frears' musical comedy, “Mrs. Henderson presents”
The film stars Dame Judi Dench, Bob Hoskins, and Will Young. Set in pre-World War II London, Mrs Henderson Presents is a loving portrayal of London's Windmill Theatre whose motto "We never closed".
It tells the remarkable true-life story of one of England's most prominent and eccentric society figures, Laura Henderson, who founded the historic Windmill Theatre.
Driven by the desire to win back the dwindling music hall audiences who had been lured away by the advent of 'talking pictures', this charming lady and veritable force of nature was aided by equally formidable and tenacious theatre manager Vivian Van Damm, as she set about her task with the kind of vigour and determination which belied her advanced years.
This wonderfully argumentative pair was complete opposites, but their extraordinary partnership proved fruitful when Mrs. Henderson's influence in society enabled her to take advantage of a legal loophole which permitted the theatre to show entirely nude models on stage - provided they didn't move a muscle. From here it was an easy step to the 'Nude Revue,' a musical extravaganza which became a roaring success and cemented the Windmill Theatre's reputation and place in history.
The festival will feature 124 films, 16 in competition, including 10 first or second features, from 15 different countries.
This 5th edition will hold a panorama of Spanish Cinema. A total of 41 films, emblematic of the Spanish film production of the past fifty years, will be screened.
The “carte blanche” is given to Yash Chopra, one of the hippest and trendiest directors of Indian cinema. Yash Chopra is the only director of the older brigade of Indian filmmakers who has successfully moved with the times right from his first film Dhool ka Phool (1959) to his latest film Veer Zara (2004). His picturesque, poetic images often shot in Switzerland with melodious music are charged with rich feeling, and in spite of all the gloss on screen, his films are more about life than lifestyle. He is reported to have the best musical sense of all filmmakers in the Hindi Film Industry today.
To support emerging filmmakers from across the world, Tribeca Film Institute (TFI) has joined forces with the Marrakech International Film Festival Foundation to create the Marrakech/Tribeca Filmmaker Exchange programme which will host 16 Moroccan and New York students, who will benefit from several workshops on filmmaking.
Students will have two weeks of intensive coursework and location shooting in Marrakech. Four students with works-in–progress will benefit from training with an experienced film director or professor.
The trained students will then be able to show their completed short films at the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival in New York City.
Martin Scorsese with the cooperation of Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami will be offering master classes. They will be joined by actor Jeffrey Wright and filmmakers from both the US and Morocco to present a series of events which aim at aspiring filmmakers from both countries to work together and learn from each other while learning the filmmaking process.
The President of the Marrakech International Film Festival Foundation, HRH Prince Moulay Rachid, considers this new programme as an important step to unite talented US and Moroccan filmmakers.
The Tribeca Film Insitute was founded in the wake of September 11th to educate, entertain, and inspire filmmakers and film lovers alike. The Institute creates innovative programmes that draw on the power of film to promote understanding, tolerance and global awareness.
This year, the Festival is held in five locations. 'Le Palais des Congrès', which includes the two "Salle des Ministres" and "Salle des Ambassadeurs", is the Festival's true center. It will be restricted to international and Moroccan professionals, who will be able to discover film in and out of competition, tribute films, "special favourite" films, and Spanish Cinema Panorama.
The closing ceremony will be marked by Enrico Oldoini's film “Tredici A Tavola.”
The International Film Festival of Marrakech, on account of the historical and cultural predisposition of the city in which it takes place, aims to be a dialogue between cultures, and a factor promoting mutual understanding through one reconciling expression: the Cinema.
The first Marrakech event was a muted affair in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, while the second edition was still searching for its own identity. The third festival has proved a worthy movie meeting with a rich mix of filmmaking talent from different countries. The fourth edition has come to maturity, as HRH Prince Moulay Rachid said. He added that Marrakech Film Festival has become the “window of Morocco, a country firm in its values and resolute in its options while open to the outside world.”
Last year's edition honoured public idols of world cinema. They included the committed Egyptian film-maker Youssef Chahine, famous observer of Egyptian society and of its mutations and questioning; Claudia Cardinale, who was the muse of directors who have written the 7th Art's magnificent pages from Federico Fellini to Henry Hathaway, Richard Brooks and Sergio Leone; and Sir Sean Connery, a Scottish actor and Shakespearean who, in addition, has seduced all the generations of film fans since 1962. Sean Connery has portrayed characters which have made him one of the most
Marrakech - The 2005 Marrakech International Film Festival (MIFF) opened on Friday in Morocco's 'red city' with a special tribute to the Moroccan-born actor Hamidou, and the US Director Martin Scorsese.
At last Hamidou Benmassoud, alias Amidou, was paid tribute in his country of origin, Morocco.
The five-year old festival had waited for long before it honoured this talented actor for his achievements in the world cinema.
Hamidou jumped from joy while seeing his daughter Souad handing him the trophy. He burst into tears while dedicating the tribute to his late son who died recently.
“You can't imagine how happy and pride I am to receive this tribute from my native country, which remembered me after 35 years of artistic career outside Morocco,” Hamidou told Morocco Times.
“This is a special recognition of the efforts I have made to better represent Morocco in France and elsewhere in the world,” he added.
Amidou, 63, made his debut in France with Madeleine Renaud and Jean-Louis Barrault in Jean Genet's 'Les Paravents' (The Screens) and had a hand in staging the controversial play in 1961.
He explored the world of Cinema thanks to French Director Claude Lelouch who gave him major roles in many of his films. Hamidou featured in 'Le Propre de L'Homme', 'And Now... Ladies and Gentlemen', 'Le Voyou', 'Une fille et des fusils'...
He has also worked overseas along with outstanding and famous Hollywood actors including Brad Pitt, Silvester Stalone, and Michael caine. He has also proved he could speak many languages.
Amidou was in the cast of Otto Preminger's 'Rosebud' (1975), of William Friedkin's 'sorcerer' (1977) and 'Rules of engagement' (2000), in John Frankenheimer's 'Ronin' (1997) and in Tony Scott's 'Spy Game' (2001).
The festival also paid tribute to legendary US film maker Martin Scorsese for his numerous masterpieces. Scorsese has been awarded the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1976 for his famous film 'Taxi driver'.
French actress Catherine Deneuve handed over the trophy to Scorsese. Legendary Moroccan folk musicians, Nas el Ghiwane played 'Ya Sah' song, which inspired the US director in his film, the 'Last temptation of Christ'. Member of the el Ghiwane group, Omar Essayed, offered the director a collection of his band's CDs.
Scorsese was pleased to meet el Ghiwane again and said 'I discovered Nas el Ghiwane in 1981 through their Album 'Al Hal'. Their music inspired many of my films,” he said.
Scorsese also expressed his gratitude to Morocco for “the help the Kingdom, people and government, offered him to facilitate the direction of his films shot in North African country,” he said.
To honour Martin Scorsese, a selection of eight films shot in Morocco chosen by him will be featured, including 'Le Grand Jeu', 'La Bandera', 'Transes', 'Epido Re' and 'Kundun', the 'Last temptation of Christ'.
Acclaimed French director, Jean-Jacques Annaud, who has often directed literary-flavored films which examine tensions between nature and the earthier human passions, presented members of this year's jury who will work for eight intensive days to choose the best film who will win the 2005 Golden Star.
Members of the jury include, along with Annaud (president of the jury), Abdelkebir Khatibi (Moroccan writer), Deepa Mehta (Indian director), Stefania Rocca (Italian actress), Hend Sabri (Tunisian actress), Leonor Silveira (Portugeese actress), Idrissa Ouedraogo (director from Burkina Faso) and Mary Sweeney (American screenwriter, producer and editor).
The opening of the event was highlighted by the screening of Stephen Frears' musical comedy, “Mrs. Henderson presents”
The film stars Dame Judi Dench, Bob Hoskins, and Will Young. Set in pre-World War II London, Mrs Henderson Presents is a loving portrayal of London's Windmill Theatre whose motto "We never closed".
It tells the remarkable true-life story of one of England's most prominent and eccentric society figures, Laura Henderson, who founded the historic Windmill Theatre.
Driven by the desire to win back the dwindling music hall audiences who had been lured away by the advent of 'talking pictures', this charming lady and veritable force of nature was aided by equally formidable and tenacious theatre manager Vivian Van Damm, as she set about her task with the kind of vigour and determination which belied her advanced years.
This wonderfully argumentative pair was complete opposites, but their extraordinary partnership proved fruitful when Mrs. Henderson's influence in society enabled her to take advantage of a legal loophole which permitted the theatre to show entirely nude models on stage - provided they didn't move a muscle. From here it was an easy step to the 'Nude Revue,' a musical extravaganza which became a roaring success and cemented the Windmill Theatre's reputation and place in history.
The festival will feature 124 films, 16 in competition, including 10 first or second features, from 15 different countries.
This 5th edition will hold a panorama of Spanish Cinema. A total of 41 films, emblematic of the Spanish film production of the past fifty years, will be screened.
The “carte blanche” is given to Yash Chopra, one of the hippest and trendiest directors of Indian cinema. Yash Chopra is the only director of the older brigade of Indian filmmakers who has successfully moved with the times right from his first film Dhool ka Phool (1959) to his latest film Veer Zara (2004). His picturesque, poetic images often shot in Switzerland with melodious music are charged with rich feeling, and in spite of all the gloss on screen, his films are more about life than lifestyle. He is reported to have the best musical sense of all filmmakers in the Hindi Film Industry today.
To support emerging filmmakers from across the world, Tribeca Film Institute (TFI) has joined forces with the Marrakech International Film Festival Foundation to create the Marrakech/Tribeca Filmmaker Exchange programme which will host 16 Moroccan and New York students, who will benefit from several workshops on filmmaking.
Students will have two weeks of intensive coursework and location shooting in Marrakech. Four students with works-in–progress will benefit from training with an experienced film director or professor.
The trained students will then be able to show their completed short films at the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival in New York City.
Martin Scorsese with the cooperation of Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami will be offering master classes. They will be joined by actor Jeffrey Wright and filmmakers from both the US and Morocco to present a series of events which aim at aspiring filmmakers from both countries to work together and learn from each other while learning the filmmaking process.
The President of the Marrakech International Film Festival Foundation, HRH Prince Moulay Rachid, considers this new programme as an important step to unite talented US and Moroccan filmmakers.
The Tribeca Film Insitute was founded in the wake of September 11th to educate, entertain, and inspire filmmakers and film lovers alike. The Institute creates innovative programmes that draw on the power of film to promote understanding, tolerance and global awareness.
This year, the Festival is held in five locations. 'Le Palais des Congrès', which includes the two "Salle des Ministres" and "Salle des Ambassadeurs", is the Festival's true center. It will be restricted to international and Moroccan professionals, who will be able to discover film in and out of competition, tribute films, "special favourite" films, and Spanish Cinema Panorama.
The closing ceremony will be marked by Enrico Oldoini's film “Tredici A Tavola.”
The International Film Festival of Marrakech, on account of the historical and cultural predisposition of the city in which it takes place, aims to be a dialogue between cultures, and a factor promoting mutual understanding through one reconciling expression: the Cinema.
The first Marrakech event was a muted affair in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, while the second edition was still searching for its own identity. The third festival has proved a worthy movie meeting with a rich mix of filmmaking talent from different countries. The fourth edition has come to maturity, as HRH Prince Moulay Rachid said. He added that Marrakech Film Festival has become the “window of Morocco, a country firm in its values and resolute in its options while open to the outside world.”
Last year's edition honoured public idols of world cinema. They included the committed Egyptian film-maker Youssef Chahine, famous observer of Egyptian society and of its mutations and questioning; Claudia Cardinale, who was the muse of directors who have written the 7th Art's magnificent pages from Federico Fellini to Henry Hathaway, Richard Brooks and Sergio Leone; and Sir Sean Connery, a Scottish actor and Shakespearean who, in addition, has seduced all the generations of film fans since 1962. Sean Connery has portrayed characters which have made him one of the most
By Karima Rhanem | Morocco TIMES 4/12/2005 | 5:09 pm
Liz Cheney, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs and daughter of the US vice president Dick Cheney, has ended a three day official visit to Morocco, where she discussed with Moroccan officials about the importance of reforms Morocco has recently undertaken. In an exclusive interview with Morocco Times, Liz Cheney praised King Mohammed VI for putting the country on the path of modernization while respecting Morocco's culture and traditions.
What's the purpose of your visit to Morocco?
Morocco is the first country I have visited since I have been in my new job at the State Department. I wanted to come to Morocco first because of the importance of our relationship. Morocco was the first country to recognize the US when we became a nation. There is a very long history of cooperation and support between American and Moroccan people.
There is also a very important change under way in Morocco. King Mohammed VI has put the country on the path of modernization while respecting Morocco's culture and traditions. I think Morocco could be a model for countries of the region as they see the important challenges.
What are the major points you have discussed with Moroccan officials?
We have talked about several issues. These included Morocco's recent reforms; the new family law (the Mudawana); the implementation of the law; the micro-enterprise and its importance in supporting giving small loans to people to finance houses or businesses. We have also discussed the new political parties' laws and the new press code, which is before the parliament.
Our talks also included education, especially girls' education and schooling; English language training and scholarships. In another words, our programmes focused on how to support and assist Morocco in this regard.
We know that you have recently been appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs. Could you give us a general idea about the duties of this bureau?
The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs covers all the countries in the Arab World and Israel. It is the office of the US Department of State which is responsible for coordinating our relations with other countries. We work on a number of issues including the peace process between the Palestinians and the Israelis.
We also work with the Iraqi people and their government, who are going to have a new constitution later this year. We are absolutely working on issues with each country and its relations with others in the rest of the region.
Regarding your programmes in Morocco, you have granted USD 2 million programme to raise awareness of the new Mudawana. You have also granted USD 6 million to assist Morocco in the framework of the US-Moroccan FTA. What other areas and fields you cover in Morocco?
Well, we are doing several things. Effectively, these are two important programmes. I have met with students on Tuesday to discuss a new scholarship programme which provides nine months' English language training for students. This programme will be organized in AMIDEAST offices in Morocco.
We are looking at ways to increase our scholarships' funding. It is very important for us to assist Moroccan students; it is also important for them to get to know America little bit better.
We also have programmes focusing on micro-enterprise lending. When I was in Casablanca on Sunday, we signed a guarantee for a grant that will provide small loans to people living in Casablanca shanty towns of who want to expand or build new houses. We are trying to be supportive of these programmes and making sure they touch people at the grassroots' level.
Concerning the Mudawana, in what way your financial assistance will be implemented?
Well, I think we are relying very much on the creative ideas that Moroccan NGOs are developing. For example, we have funded a group that has a theatre production, travelling around Morocco to rural areas, to raise awareness, among women and men, of the new Mudawana and its implications. So we will not design programmes, because the people who know how to do this are the Moroccan people.
We are here to provide support for them and help them define how to expand knowledge. The other programmes designed for women include training for judges and other court officials to implement the new family code.
Regarding the FTA, we would like to know more about the MEPI assistance.
We have programmed to help Moroccan farmers, including planting trees to give them alternative sources of income. We also provide technical assistance as the government look at the reforms they need to implement once we have the FTA.
The US Ambassador to Morocco has just come back from a trip to the US with Moroccan companies, looking at ways to introduce Moroccan businesses to American investors and basically expose Americans to the investment opportunities in Morocco, having people becoming interested in making partnerships. I think there are a lot of ways that we can help, but we need the FTA to be implemented.
Morocco hosted the first forum for the future last December, which witnessed an important representation of the civil society, which initiated reform programs. Could you tell us about the follow up of these programmes?
We will hold the second Forum for the Future next November in Bahrain. We are currently working with the Moroccan, the Bahraini, the British and the Jordanian governments for the Forum's follow-up.
There is a different number of activities that we would like to announce at the next forum. We want that the forum look back at everything happened in the last 12 months, and to have countries and the civil society report on changes and the progress being made and what not been done. I think it will be a good opportunity to give a voice to the civil society for the government to hear their concerns.
Many consider initiatives like MEPI as programmes that are imposing reforms on peoples of the region. One of the recommendations of the Forum for the Future is that reforms should come from inside. What's your comment?
I think reforms are absolutely coming from the inside. Morocco is the model for the whole region in this regard. The purpose of programmes like MEPI is to support the reforms coming from people themselves and from the government. I heard this stereotype about MEPI, which is not true. Moreover, it doesn't work to try to impose the system from the outside.
That's not what America is trying to do. MEPI and other programmes support universal values including the right to education, the right to vote, the right to have a job... etc. These are a whole range of issues to which we will respond with our resources to the changes that are coming from people who live in each individual country.
Do you think reforms would be relevant, taking into consideration current political crises in the Middle East, namely the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the war in Iraq, and the Lebanese-Syrian crisis? Don't you think that the peoples of the region need stability first before initiating reforms?
I have a different view of what's happening in the Middle East today. Concerning the Lebanese- Syrian crisis, the Lebanese have made it clear that they want to be free and have control over their country. In turn, the international community has said the Syrians should get out of Lebanon. I think that this is a very positive development, that the Syrian troops and intelligence forces have left from the country, and that the Lebanese can have elections and can determine their own future.
Concerning Palestine, after the successful Jan. 9 elections, Abu Mazen is working hard to reform the security services and to end corruption, and to make sure the Palestinian Authority is responsive to the needs of the Palestinians people.
Concerning Iraq, we have seen that Iraqis risked their lives to go to vote in the Jan. 30 elections. We are all inspired by that. Iraqis were brave at standing up against the terrorists who do not want to see a free and independent Iraq.
I believe there is something positive happening across the MENA region. People in many countries are having a lessening of fear. When you see the Lebanese standing at Martyr Square demanding to be free, you can feel that people are becoming braver in defending their causes, and we want to help support that however we can.
While reinforcing democratic reforms in the region, do you take into consideration the specificities of each country, because every country has a different perspective of democracy.
Certainly, each country and its government will look at certain things differently. I think for the international community or any donor to be effective, the programme designed for countries of the region needs to be tailored to meet the needs of the individual countries. We shall not talk about all countries as one group, because as you said each country is different. Of course, there are universal values that everybody shares.
Liz Cheney, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs and daughter of the US vice president Dick Cheney, has ended a three day official visit to Morocco, where she discussed with Moroccan officials about the importance of reforms Morocco has recently undertaken. In an exclusive interview with Morocco Times, Liz Cheney praised King Mohammed VI for putting the country on the path of modernization while respecting Morocco's culture and traditions.
What's the purpose of your visit to Morocco?
Morocco is the first country I have visited since I have been in my new job at the State Department. I wanted to come to Morocco first because of the importance of our relationship. Morocco was the first country to recognize the US when we became a nation. There is a very long history of cooperation and support between American and Moroccan people.
There is also a very important change under way in Morocco. King Mohammed VI has put the country on the path of modernization while respecting Morocco's culture and traditions. I think Morocco could be a model for countries of the region as they see the important challenges.
What are the major points you have discussed with Moroccan officials?
We have talked about several issues. These included Morocco's recent reforms; the new family law (the Mudawana); the implementation of the law; the micro-enterprise and its importance in supporting giving small loans to people to finance houses or businesses. We have also discussed the new political parties' laws and the new press code, which is before the parliament.
Our talks also included education, especially girls' education and schooling; English language training and scholarships. In another words, our programmes focused on how to support and assist Morocco in this regard.
We know that you have recently been appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs. Could you give us a general idea about the duties of this bureau?
The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs covers all the countries in the Arab World and Israel. It is the office of the US Department of State which is responsible for coordinating our relations with other countries. We work on a number of issues including the peace process between the Palestinians and the Israelis.
We also work with the Iraqi people and their government, who are going to have a new constitution later this year. We are absolutely working on issues with each country and its relations with others in the rest of the region.
Regarding your programmes in Morocco, you have granted USD 2 million programme to raise awareness of the new Mudawana. You have also granted USD 6 million to assist Morocco in the framework of the US-Moroccan FTA. What other areas and fields you cover in Morocco?
Well, we are doing several things. Effectively, these are two important programmes. I have met with students on Tuesday to discuss a new scholarship programme which provides nine months' English language training for students. This programme will be organized in AMIDEAST offices in Morocco.
We are looking at ways to increase our scholarships' funding. It is very important for us to assist Moroccan students; it is also important for them to get to know America little bit better.
We also have programmes focusing on micro-enterprise lending. When I was in Casablanca on Sunday, we signed a guarantee for a grant that will provide small loans to people living in Casablanca shanty towns of who want to expand or build new houses. We are trying to be supportive of these programmes and making sure they touch people at the grassroots' level.
Concerning the Mudawana, in what way your financial assistance will be implemented?
Well, I think we are relying very much on the creative ideas that Moroccan NGOs are developing. For example, we have funded a group that has a theatre production, travelling around Morocco to rural areas, to raise awareness, among women and men, of the new Mudawana and its implications. So we will not design programmes, because the people who know how to do this are the Moroccan people.
We are here to provide support for them and help them define how to expand knowledge. The other programmes designed for women include training for judges and other court officials to implement the new family code.
Regarding the FTA, we would like to know more about the MEPI assistance.
We have programmed to help Moroccan farmers, including planting trees to give them alternative sources of income. We also provide technical assistance as the government look at the reforms they need to implement once we have the FTA.
The US Ambassador to Morocco has just come back from a trip to the US with Moroccan companies, looking at ways to introduce Moroccan businesses to American investors and basically expose Americans to the investment opportunities in Morocco, having people becoming interested in making partnerships. I think there are a lot of ways that we can help, but we need the FTA to be implemented.
Morocco hosted the first forum for the future last December, which witnessed an important representation of the civil society, which initiated reform programs. Could you tell us about the follow up of these programmes?
We will hold the second Forum for the Future next November in Bahrain. We are currently working with the Moroccan, the Bahraini, the British and the Jordanian governments for the Forum's follow-up.
There is a different number of activities that we would like to announce at the next forum. We want that the forum look back at everything happened in the last 12 months, and to have countries and the civil society report on changes and the progress being made and what not been done. I think it will be a good opportunity to give a voice to the civil society for the government to hear their concerns.
Many consider initiatives like MEPI as programmes that are imposing reforms on peoples of the region. One of the recommendations of the Forum for the Future is that reforms should come from inside. What's your comment?
I think reforms are absolutely coming from the inside. Morocco is the model for the whole region in this regard. The purpose of programmes like MEPI is to support the reforms coming from people themselves and from the government. I heard this stereotype about MEPI, which is not true. Moreover, it doesn't work to try to impose the system from the outside.
That's not what America is trying to do. MEPI and other programmes support universal values including the right to education, the right to vote, the right to have a job... etc. These are a whole range of issues to which we will respond with our resources to the changes that are coming from people who live in each individual country.
Do you think reforms would be relevant, taking into consideration current political crises in the Middle East, namely the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the war in Iraq, and the Lebanese-Syrian crisis? Don't you think that the peoples of the region need stability first before initiating reforms?
I have a different view of what's happening in the Middle East today. Concerning the Lebanese- Syrian crisis, the Lebanese have made it clear that they want to be free and have control over their country. In turn, the international community has said the Syrians should get out of Lebanon. I think that this is a very positive development, that the Syrian troops and intelligence forces have left from the country, and that the Lebanese can have elections and can determine their own future.
Concerning Palestine, after the successful Jan. 9 elections, Abu Mazen is working hard to reform the security services and to end corruption, and to make sure the Palestinian Authority is responsive to the needs of the Palestinians people.
Concerning Iraq, we have seen that Iraqis risked their lives to go to vote in the Jan. 30 elections. We are all inspired by that. Iraqis were brave at standing up against the terrorists who do not want to see a free and independent Iraq.
I believe there is something positive happening across the MENA region. People in many countries are having a lessening of fear. When you see the Lebanese standing at Martyr Square demanding to be free, you can feel that people are becoming braver in defending their causes, and we want to help support that however we can.
While reinforcing democratic reforms in the region, do you take into consideration the specificities of each country, because every country has a different perspective of democracy.
Certainly, each country and its government will look at certain things differently. I think for the international community or any donor to be effective, the programme designed for countries of the region needs to be tailored to meet the needs of the individual countries. We shall not talk about all countries as one group, because as you said each country is different. Of course, there are universal values that everybody shares.
By Karima Rhanem | Morocco TIMES 7/20/2005 | 9:34 am
David A. Sampson, US Acting Deputy Secretary of the US Commerce Department, is paying an official state visit to Morocco on July 20-22 to discuss with Moroccan senior officials possibilities of reinforcing bilateral economic cooperation between Morocco and the USA, said a release of the US Embassy in Rabat.
The US official will visit a Solar Energy center and a Technology Satellite Station. Sampson talks will focus on Morocco's progress in terms of political and economic reforms. He will also recall the commitment of the Bush administration to fostering democracy, open markets, a clean environment, and investment in the health fields and education fields for the peoples of Africa.
Sampson will also underscore the importance of the implementation of the US-Morocco Free Exchange Agreement, while encouraging Moroccans to fight against the transgression of intellectual property. He will also emphasise the two priorities of the US and the G8 countries. These include proper thermal technology, science and technology in general.
Sampson will also pay a visit to an American company, CMS Energy, the biggest independent producer of electricity in Africa. He will also visit the Royal Center of Satellite Technology, a national institution in charge of the promotion, utilisation, and development of satellites application in Morocco.
David A. Sampson is the Acting Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Commerce Department, having been nominated to that position by President George W. Bush on April 1, 2005.
Sampson also serves as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development and head of the Economic Development Administration, which issues federal grants to help revitalise distressed communities. Additionally, on June 16, 2005 Sampson was designated as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation by President George W. Bush.
David A. Sampson, US Acting Deputy Secretary of the US Commerce Department, is paying an official state visit to Morocco on July 20-22 to discuss with Moroccan senior officials possibilities of reinforcing bilateral economic cooperation between Morocco and the USA, said a release of the US Embassy in Rabat.
The US official will visit a Solar Energy center and a Technology Satellite Station. Sampson talks will focus on Morocco's progress in terms of political and economic reforms. He will also recall the commitment of the Bush administration to fostering democracy, open markets, a clean environment, and investment in the health fields and education fields for the peoples of Africa.
Sampson will also underscore the importance of the implementation of the US-Morocco Free Exchange Agreement, while encouraging Moroccans to fight against the transgression of intellectual property. He will also emphasise the two priorities of the US and the G8 countries. These include proper thermal technology, science and technology in general.
Sampson will also pay a visit to an American company, CMS Energy, the biggest independent producer of electricity in Africa. He will also visit the Royal Center of Satellite Technology, a national institution in charge of the promotion, utilisation, and development of satellites application in Morocco.
David A. Sampson is the Acting Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Commerce Department, having been nominated to that position by President George W. Bush on April 1, 2005.
Sampson also serves as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development and head of the Economic Development Administration, which issues federal grants to help revitalise distressed communities. Additionally, on June 16, 2005 Sampson was designated as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation by President George W. Bush.
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