One of the largest film festivals in the Middle East and North Africa has opened recently in Marrakech, Morocco. It involves 70 features from 32 countries, drawing actors and directors around the world to present their work. What makes the festival unique is its ability to make works on par with larger film festivals, while keeping the spotlight on rising directors from throughout the Islamic world. The festival gives a lot of attention to countries that aren’t represented in cinema, helping smaller directors project their ideas across the world. One of the themes that will be largely explored in Marrakech is family, and how social and political impact can be represented only looking at a family unit.
The Middle East and North Africa right now is a very war-torn region, with many countries in the middle of conflict or recovering from one. Morocco is a rare safe haven, where the usual conservative dictatorial regimes don’t reach. The festival is covering a large variety of films with unorthodox focuses for this region of the world, such as immigration, homosexuality, and bar performers. It was originally founded by Morocco’s King Mohammed IV and is now being presided over by his brother Prince Moulay Rashid. The festival showcases and honors many Moroccan directors. A film festival is an important cultural event that shows the messages of many different people spanning many different cultures, and for a film festival to be allowed in the Islamic world often known for its strictness is groundbreaking.
The many countries that are taking part will likely have some form of improved relations. The film festival gives them a chance, at least for individuals, to share ideas. Given that films are a form of art expression, people will come back from the festival with perhaps a new perspective on the world at large. It is definitely a good thing that it’s happening. To connect to liberal theory, this is what liberal theorists like to see. In the midst of terrible conflict, countries are coming together and cooperating to share ideas. It is because of Morocco’s less conservative government that allows for gatherings like this.