The fifth edition of the Ivorian Film Week in Morocco concluded last Thursday at the “Al-Nahda” Cinema in Rabat, featuring the screening of the feature film “Opah Noël” directed by Frank Focus.
The closing ceremony was attended by Côte d’Ivoire’s Ambassador to Morocco, Lamine Ouattara, the Director General of the National Office of Cinema of this African country, Diomandé Lysson Fall Johnson, and the Acting Director of the Moroccan Cinema Center, Abdel Aziz Boujdaïni, along with film professionals from both Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire.
This cultural event, organized by the Moroccan Cinema Center in partnership with Côte d’Ivoire’s National Office of Cinema, falls within the framework of a co-production and film exchange agreement signed between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire in Abidjan on November 28, 2011, aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two countries in this field.
Boujdaïni stated that the week represented a unique moment for cultural dialogue, artistic exchange, and strategic thinking regarding Ivorian cinema, embodying a “model” of collaboration between the two historically connected countries.
He reiterated, “We renew our commitment to open the doors of the Higher Institute of Audiovisual and Cinema Professions in Laayoune to Ivorian students,” aiming to provide them with effective and specialized training in various professions related to the seventh art.
Fall Johnson also expressed her deep gratitude to the organizers and the Moroccan Cinema Center, who spared no effort in ensuring the success of this film week.
She called for continued efforts so that Ivorian professionals can benefit from the same opportunities available to their Moroccan counterparts, emphasizing that it is about a win-win cooperation based on genuine exchange.
The Ivorian ambassador in Rabat remarked to the press that cinema represents an extension of the exemplary cooperation between his country and Morocco, pointing out that “like sports and other fields, cinema has become a strong lever for rapprochement and cooperation between peoples.”
In this context, Ouattara confirmed that Côte d’Ivoire aims to draw inspiration from the Moroccan model in several areas, especially tourism and culture.
During the closing event, the audience was treated to a screening of “Opah Noël” by director Frank Focus. The film, which runs for 94 minutes, tells the story of “Opah,” a man who comes to the city to gift his son “Tabi” a goat for the Christmas holidays before returning to his village. Upon arriving in Abidjan, he recalls the struggles he faced with his three wives, who conspired to make his life difficult.
In a statement to the Maghreb Arab Press, the director praised the organization of various workshops and meetings that brought together film professionals and cinema students during the Ivorian Film Week, considering that such events help strengthen cultural and professional ties between the two countries.
He also expressed his happiness at the enthusiasm shown by the Moroccan audience, which collectively engaged with various cinematic presentations throughout the week (April 28 – May 1).
According to the organizers, this cultural event serves as a window into the richness and vibrancy of Ivorian cinema, reflecting Morocco’s ongoing commitment to support African cultural expressions and promote renewed South-South cinematic cooperation.
