A Deep Dive into the Interplay of Narrative and Cinema
On Saturday, the Arabic Language College in Marrakech hosted a symposium dedicated to highlighting the remarkable journey of researcher and writer Mohamed Ashouikha in the realms of storytelling and cinema. This event celebrated his intellectual and creative endeavors, featuring a distinguished group of professors and researchers specializing in literature, film, and visual aesthetics. The symposium, organized by the Integrated Approaches Lab in Discourse Analysis in partnership with the college, was aptly titled “The Horizon of Creativity and the Question of the Visible.” The participants emphasized the symbolic significance of this celebration, as it provided a scientific platform to illuminate a unique experience that intertwines narrative creativity with academic research in the field of visual culture.
During the event, Ashouikha elaborated on how this academic day represents a moment to honor an intellectual and creative trajectory that has spanned several years, encompassing both storytelling and research related to cinema and the culture of imagery. He asserted that gatherings of this nature allow the honoree to engage in a form of self-critique regarding their experiences, as they reflect on their body of work, connect its various elements, and contemplate avenues for its future development and deepening.
Enhancing the Discourse on Visual Culture
He further noted that he has dedicated years to exploring what is known as “visual culture,” a relatively new and complex field within academic research that still garners limited attention compared to other areas, particularly in the Arab and Moroccan contexts, despite its immense importance. Ashouikha highlighted that examining images and cinema should not only be viewed as artistic forms but also as tools for analysis and understanding, contributing to aesthetic education and fostering comprehension of oneself and others, as well as addressing various societal issues.
In his remarks, Saeed Al-Awadi, the director of the Integrated Approaches Lab in Discourse Analysis, stated that organizing this meeting is part of a broader effort to celebrate outstanding intellectual and creative experiences by reflecting on their various milestones and showcasing their contributions to the fields of creativity and criticism. He added that the lab aims to expand its focus beyond academic activities directed at students, actively engaging with the surrounding cultural and scientific environment by hosting prominent experiences that have left a mark on the intellectual and creative landscape. The diverse and prolific nature of Ashouikha’s work made it a fitting subject for a dedicated symposium aimed at examining his contributions and exploring their multifaceted dimensions.
Al-Awadi also noted that this event brought together researchers from various backgrounds and institutions, aiming to deepen discussions and enrich approaches concerning this experience, which bridges creative writing and critical thought. The program included presentations that approached Ashouikha’s storytelling from stylistic and semiotic perspectives, as well as examining the intersections between creativity and visual arts, particularly cinema and painting, while raising questions about the role of images in meaning production.
As reported by hespress.com.
