Xavier Bonnefont, the mayor of the city of Angoulême in southwestern France, said during the opening of the Francophone Film Festival (FFA) on Tuesday evening that the city is delighted to welcome Morocco and its cinema.
In an interview, the mayor told MAP that Morocco holds a special place in Angoulême, where its cinema has frequently been recognized with awards. Inviting Morocco as the guest of honor is “significant,” he said.
The city of Angoulême traditionally raises the national flag of the guest of honor country before the festival begins, according to Bonnefont. He had earlier attended the raising of the Moroccan flag at City Hall, in the presence of the festival’s General Delegates, Marie-France Brière and Dominique Besnehard, as well as Mehdi Qotbi, President of the National Foundation of Museums and President of the Franco-Moroccan Friendship Circle.
“Raising Morocco’s flag is primarily a symbol of the festival’s opening in honor of the guest country,” he said. The Moroccan flag will remain hoisted at the city hall throughout the festival week.
A “Moroccan Market” will be available beginning Thursday through Saturday evening, with a special evening event happening on Friday. The “Moroccan Market” will allow festival-goers to enjoy “the authenticity and charm of Moroccan craftsmanship,” featuring items such as baskets, pottery, jewelry, argan oil, caftans, a tea room, and henna tattoo workshops, Angoulême City Hall announced.
The mayor invited residents and visitors to “come see the Moroccan artisans.”
The FFA promises a rich and varied program, including tributes to artists and various exhibitions. A series of photographs by the late Moroccan photographer and videographer Leila Alaoui (1982-2016) will be on display.