Celebrating Morocco's Cultural Diversity in Cinema

Ifrane, March 16, 2012 – Around 200 visitors attended the opening ceremony of the Amazigh Film Festival sponsored by Al Akhawayn University and the Province of Ifrane, and organized on March 8, 2012 in collaboration with the Cinema-Club Association for Child and Youth in Azrou, the Royal Institute of Amazigh Culture, and the student-run Aytmatn Club.

In an endeavor to promote cultural diversity as well as cultural activities in the region of Ifrane, Al Akhawayn University was this year the host institution to the second instalment of the Festival which chose "Identity and Development" to be its theme. 

“Through this Film Festival we would like to illustrate the diverse cultural identity of Morocco, build bridges for communication among the different actors, and open the door to meaningful dialogue and constructive criticism on Amazigh cinema in Morocco,” declared Aziz Belrhali, Director of the Festival. 

A panoply of activities and shows was on the menu for the opening ceremony. The large audience from the Al Akhawayn community and from outside was treated to Amazigh movie projections, presentations, debates, Amazigh music and dance shows, and an art exhibit by local artists Rahma Moumen and Abdellah Ouabbi. 

March 8 was an opportunity to also pay tribute to famous Amazigh women artists Fatima Tihihit, Saidi Ibouda, and Fatima Atif who were present throughout the ceremony.

Yoen Hyun Kang, an exchange student at Al Akhawayn from South Korea and member of Aytmatn Club said “I found it interesting to join the club and have the opportunity to participate in the organization of the Amazigh Film Festival. It is indeed a great chance to think once more about the roots of the Amazigh culture and its environment.” 

Al Akhawayn University is nestled in the heart of the Atlas Mountains, a region whose largest population is Amazigh. The University strives to stress its distinctiveness in belonging to a diverse environment and ensures that the cultural richness of the region is highlighted through institutional as well as student-run activities.

Aytmatn Club is a student-run organization at Al Akhawayn University. Its members are students of Amazigh origin, Arab and foreign descent. Aytmatn's goal is to contribute to the preservation and promotion of the Amazigh culture, tradition, and language. Every year, the club organizes a series of activities, such as the Amazigh Days.   

Amazigh music and dance shows celebrated the second instalment of the Amazigh Film Festival.