The recent decision by the committee responsible for supporting film festivals, which declined to allocate financial aid for the 14th edition of the ‘Fes Cinematic Communication Days’ festival, has reignited discussions regarding the criteria used to evaluate cinematic events. The festival organizers expressed their disappointment, arguing that the exclusion from funding does not align with the festival's established trajectory over the years. The committee justified its decision by citing concerns related to the proposed project, including its organizational, artistic, and financial levels.
This funding rejection followed a meeting of the film festival support committee held in July, during which the representative of the Young Talents Association for Cinema and Theatre, the festival's organizer, was heard regarding the 14th edition project. After reviewing the proposal and considering the association's defense, the committee ultimately made its decision.
According to the committee's notification to the organizers, the justifications presented during the hearing were deemed insufficient to address the noted deficiencies in the project. Despite recognizing the festival's accumulated experience from previous editions, the committee identified weaknesses in both organizational and artistic aspects.
The highlighted observations included the necessity to enhance the quality of programming and to develop better management practices for the festival, as well as the need to seek new funding sources and partnerships to ensure its sustainability. Furthermore, the committee remarked that the financial and logistical resources allocated to the event did not adequately reflect the cultural significance of the city of Fes and the ambitions associated with a film festival held within its confines.
On the other hand, the management of the ‘Fes Cinematic Communication Days’ expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision to deny support, labeling it as unjust. They based their stance on the festival's journey since its inception, having successfully organized 13 previous editions in the city of Fes despite facing financial and logistical challenges.
The organizers assert that the festival's achievements extend beyond just film screenings, noting the seminars, workshops, and meetings held with professionals and stakeholders in the cinema field, in addition to providing spaces for training and discussions benefiting the city's youth.
Moreover, the festival management emphasized that the decision not to receive support would not hinder their efforts to continue organizing the event. They remain committed to advocating for public funding support and are calling for the adoption of criteria that they believe are more transparent and fair in evaluating festival proposals.
As reported by ar.le360.ma.
