The 31st edition of the Tétouan Mediterranean Film Festival concluded with the Tunisian film "Ightirab" (Exile) directed by Mehdi Hmili winning the Grand Prix "Tamouda". The film, a co-production of Tunisia, Luxembourg, France, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, was recognized for its dramatic plot and narrative addressing the intense conflict between capitalist practices and workers.
The festival, held under the high patronage of King Mohammed VI of Morocco, featured a competitive official selection that drew a large audience and sparked positive interactions with various artistic and intellectual activities. The jury awarded the Special Jury Prize "Mohamed Reggab" to the French film "Les Survivants du Che" directed by Christophe Dimitri Reveille.
The festival also awarded several other prizes, including the Best First Work Prize "Azzedine Meddour" to the Italian film "Ô mon cœur" directed by Margherita Spampinato. The Best Male Role Prize was awarded to Moroccan actor Omar Lotfi for his role in the film "Mira" directed by Nour-Eddine Lakhmari.
The Best Female Role Prize was awarded to Moroccan actress Safaa Khatimi for her interpretation of the main character in the same film "Mira". The film "Ightirab" also won the Critics' Prize "Mustapha Mesnaoui", while the films "Qui vit encore" directed by Nicolas Wadimoff and "Souillée" directed by Barbara Mestanza and Marc Pujolar received special mentions.
Abdellatif El Bazi, Secretary General of the Tétouan Mediterranean Film Festival Foundation, expressed satisfaction with the 31st edition, citing the strong attendance at official competition screenings and the positive interaction with artistic and intellectual activities.
El Bazi highlighted the success of the scenario development workshops, which provided a platform for experts, participants, and observers to share their experiences and expectations. He also praised the positive atmosphere of the screenings for children, which offered young audiences moments of joy and pleasure.
The festival, which ran from October 3 to 11, featured a selection of films in its recurring section "Coups de cœur", showcasing six films that demonstrated diversity in themes and cinematographic approaches. The festival also included outdoor screenings, projections at the French Cultural Center, and a series of debates and seminars on topics such as new economies of Mediterranean cinema and reception issues.
Key points
- The Tunisian film "Ightirab" won the Grand Prix "Tamouda" at the 31st Tétouan Mediterranean Film Festival.
- The festival featured a competitive official selection that drew a large audience and sparked positive interactions with artistic and intellectual activities.
- The event included various prizes and recognitions, including Best Male and Female Role Prizes, and special mentions for certain films.