Ajyal Film Club in Tangier, Morocco!
Doha Film Institute and Al Nuwah Foundation proudly present the Ajyal Film Club (AFC) in Tangier as part of the 2024 Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture. In partnership with Tanjaflam, which operates Cinema Alcazar, this youth-centred initiative seeks to inspire and engage the next generation of filmmakers.
Ajyal Film Club offers young participants exclusive access to film screenings, masterclasses, discussions, and educational activities, all designed to nurture a deeper understanding and appreciation of the art of filmmaking.
Building on the success of Ajyal Film Club in Qatar, we are excited to expand this dynamic platform to Tangier’s iconic Cinema Alcazar, continuing our mission to empower youth around the world through cinema.
Explore Our Full Programme
Embark on an inspiring cinematic journey with our thoughtfully curated three-day programme. From captivating film screenings to immersive workshops and masterclasses, each day presents a unique opportunity to explore and engage with the art of filmmaking.
Day 1 (20 September 2024)
Film Screening: We Have a Dream
Experience the power of storytelling with the Ajyal Film Club's special screening of ‘We Have a Dream’ by acclaimed director Pascal Plisson.
Year: 2023
Director: Pascal Plisson
Genre: Feature Documentary
Runtime: 96 minutes
Languages: English, French, and Nepali with English and Arabic subtitles
Synopsis:
giving up one's greatest dreams? Across the world, Pascal Plisson met Maud (France), Charles (Kenya), Nirmala and Khendo (Nepal), Xavier (Rwanda) and Antonio (Brazil): extraordinary children who will prove that love, inclusive education, humour and courage can move mountains, and that fate is sometimes full of surprises.
The film screening will be followed by an engaging Q&A session, moderated by Sophia Haj Bakri and Faisal Abu-Shawareb.
Film Review & Critique Workshop
In this fascinating workshop, participants will gain the skills to critically evaluate and dissect a film's cinematic techniques and thematic elements. Through in-depth exploration, they will learn how technical elements contribute to shaping a film's message and impact.
Day 2 (21 September 2024)
Film Screening: Saleem
Immerse yourself in cinema with the Ajyal Film Club's special screening of ‘Saleem’, directed by Cynthia Madanat Sharaiha.
Year: 2023
Director: Cynthia Madanat Sharaiha
Genre: Animation Feature Film
Runtime: 90 minutes
Languages: Arabic with English subtitles
Synopsis:
After fleeing his war-torn town with his mother and two siblings, 9-year-old Saleem is now displaced, and forced to start life all over again. He is tormented by memories of the past and struggles to cope with the loss of his father. Now, faced with the ever-intimidating antics of the playground antagonists, Saleem struggles to find his footing. Things weren’t looking up for Saleem, but one morning, a mystical pigeon swoops into his life and uncovers what seems to be an old treasure map. Reluctant Saleem finds himself on the path of a new adventure! New friends Fares, Zeina and Abboud, rally around him, and together traverse the old town looking for the treasure. With a map for the journey, an anchor for clues, and a compass for direction, Saleem finds a treasure that he never knew he needed.
After the screening, join us for a thought-provoking Q&A session led by moderators Sophia Haj Bakri and Faisal Abu-Shawareb.
A Masterclass by Khaoula Assebab Benomar
Women and Cinema: Our Story, Our Future.
This inspiring masterclass is dedicated to empowering women in filmmaking, encouraging them to tell their own stories and craft narratives through a female lens. Participants will explore the rich history of women in cinema and acquire essential tools to navigate the industry, from understanding socio-cultural dynamics to industry regulations. The session also fosters an open dialogue, offering a platform for participants to ask questions, exchange insights, and engage in impactful discussions on the future of women in film.
About Khaoula Assebab Benomar
Khaoula Assebab Benomar, born in 1982 in Rabat, is the daughter of a pioneer in Moroccan television fiction and spent her earliest years on film sets. Although she holds a degree in cinema, she began her career in Moroccan television, producing documentaries, programs, and, notably, shows. Her debut feature film, 'Le Clair Obscur', received numerous awards at film festivals worldwide.
Today, Khaoula Assebab Benomar wears many hats—she is a filmmaker, journalist, director, writer, and women's rights activist. As president of the Joussour Forum for Women, Khaoula was appointed by the Moroccan government in March 2023 as a member of the National Commission for Gender Equality and Parity. Khaoula dedicates her efforts to raising awareness of women's issues.
Day 3 (22 September 2024)
Film Screening: Scrapper
Join us for an immersive film experience as Ajyal Film Club presents the screening of ‘Scrapper’ by Charlotte Regan.
Year: 2023
Director: Charlotte Regan
Genre: Fiction Feature Film
Runtime: 84 minutes
Languages: English with Arabic subtitles
Synopsis:
This vibrant and inventive father-daughter comedy follows Georgie, a resourceful 12-year-old girl who secretly lives alone in her flat in a working-class suburb of London following her mother's death. She makes money by stealing bikes with her best friend Ali (Alin Uzun) and keeps the social workers off her back by pretending to live with an uncle. Out of nowhere, her estranged father, Jason, arrives and forces her to confront reality. Uninterested in this sudden new parental figure, Georgie is stubbornly resistant to his efforts. As they adjust to their new circumstances, Georgie and Jason find that they both still have a lot of growing up to do.
The film screening will be followed by an insightful Q&A session moderated by Sophia Haj Bakri and Faisal Abu-Shawareb.
Masterclass with Jilali Ferhati
Moderated by Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of Doha Film Institute and Director of Ajyal Film Festival.
In this engaging masterclass, participants will gain valuable insights into the filmmaking process, exploring key stages such as story development, screenwriting, production, and distribution. The session aims to inspire and equip participants with the knowledge and tools to embark on their own filmmaking journeys.
About Jillali Ferhati
Jillali Ferhati (born 1948 in Aït Ouahi, Khémisset, Morocco) is a distinguished actor, director, writer, and producer. He studied literature and sociology in Paris before embarking on a multifaceted career in the arts. Ferhati initially trained and performed at the Théâtre de la Cité Internationale in Paris and later directed various plays, including 'Zoo Story' by Edward Albee and 'Night of the Murderers' by José Triana. His filmmaking career began in 1978 with 'Brèche dans le Mur', which was featured at Cannes Critics' Week. Notable films such as 'Poupées de Roseau' (1982) and 'The Beach of Lost Children' (1991) garnered acclaim at prestigious festivals like Cannes, Venice, and the Biennale du Cinéma Arabe. Over the years, he has continued to produce award-winning films and has served as a jury member at international film festivals, making significant contributions to the development of cinema both in Morocco and globally.
About Our Partners
Nuwah Foundation
We are a dynamic organization dedicated to driving profound social transformations in the Middle East and North Africa. Our mission is to build a creative, healthy, and prosperous society by empowering change-makers and nurturing innovative solutions. Guided by our core strategic principles, we follow an integrated and long-term approach, emphasizing collaboration, capacity building, and strategic investments that generate tangible and sustainable impact. With a deep respect for our region's cultural heritage and a commitment to fostering audacious hope, we strive to create lasting change and shape a brilliant future. Through our initiatives and partnerships, we aim to inspire, empower, and uplift individuals and communities, leaving a positive and enduring legacy for generations to come.
TanjAflam
TanjAflam is a non-profit organization committed to revitalizing the local film scene and fostering a vibrant community around the art of cinema. Through its dedicated efforts, TanjAflam has transformed Cinéma Alcazar into more than just a screening venue; it is now a platform for cultural exchange where filmmakers can connect with the public and share their passion for storytelling. TanjAflam also places a strong emphasis on engaging with young audiences, organizing screenings and discussions on important social and cultural topics. These activities provide children with a space to express their views, participate actively, and learn through cinema.
Cinéma Alcazar
Cinéma Alcazar, located in the heart of Tangier's historic medina, is an iconic venue that has retained its historic charm while adapting to the cultural needs of the community. Since its reopening, the cinema has established itself as a space dedicated to showcasing auteur films, timeless classics, and Moroccan productions, offering a diverse and accessible program for all. With its unique blend of nostalgia and modernity, Cinéma Alcazar remains a cultural landmark, continuing to play a central role in promoting cinematic culture in Tangier.