Read of 20 television productions, including TV movies and television series, are in competition for the various prizes of the 14ᵉ edition of the Meknès festival of television fiction, which continues until May 6.
Organized under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, on the initiative of the association ” Free show ”, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, the Council of the Fès-Meknès Region, as well as the Municipality of Meknes, this artistic meeting is a space for celebrating national television creation, while highlighting the talents that work Moroccan audiovisual scene.
In a statement to the MAP, the founder of the festival, Mahmoud Bellahcen, noted that this festival which blows its 14ᵉ candle, is part of the continuity of the previous successful editions, adding that it is a unique event, marked this year by numerous novelty, in particular the organization of Masterclass bringing together professionals in the sector, to reflect on the different components of fiction, The realization and writing of scenarios.
He added that “Moroccan fiction is doing well”, with numerous and quality productions, as evidenced by the number of fictions in competition this year.
The jury responsible for assessing the TV movies is chaired by actor Driss Roukhe, accompanied by actress Hajar Masdouki and producer Hicham Ibrahimi. A second jury, dedicated to series and comedies, is made up of Khalid Amine, researcher in dramatic arts, as well as actresses Sanae Alaoui and Alaa Akaaboune.
-In a similar statement, the actor and president of the jury, Driss Roukh, indicated that Moroccan fiction has won today, in depth, in quality, and addresses major societal themes, while integrating new narrative and technical tools.
Through this event, he continued, “we are working to give Moroccan fiction the place it deserves, to reward striking works, but also to debate the many challenges it is confronted with”, adding that the festival is also an opportunity to encourage the creation of better quality productions, thanks to the involvement of all the actors of the television production chain.
The works in the running contribute for several distinctions, including the Festival Grand Prix, the Prix du Scénario, of realization, the best actress and the best actor.
On the sidelines of the competition, the opening ceremony was an opportunity to pay a vibrant tribute to two emblematic figures of the Moroccan artistic scene, Saïda Baâdi and Ibrahim Khai. A choice which reflects, according to the organizers of the festival, a deep recognition for their respective careers, rich by more than four decades of remarkable contributions to television, cinema and theater.
In addition to the projections, the festival program includes a series of parallel activities, including open meetings with artists and directors, as well as a masterclass dedicated to the different components of television fiction, including scenario writing, interpretation, production and realization.
