Tag: Moroccan Records

MOROCCO’s Arif Esa Appointed Deputy Chairman at International Trade Council (ITC)

Esa hopes that his new role will help him raise Morocco’s profile in the fintech and digital industry globally.

Founder and CEO of Moroccan fintech startup moneyIN Arif Esa has assumed the position of Deputy Chairman for the Banking/Finance/Blockchain & Trade Finance department at the International Trade Council (ITC). 

This appointment not only recognizes Esa’s outstanding contributions but also positions him as the first Moroccan entrepreneur to hold such a role within the ITC.

Esa, who holds a stellar track record in finance and fintech, with a portfolio of global recognition and awards, spoke with Morocco World News about his motivation for taking this role, as well as his new responsibilities and objectives.

“Accepting this responsibility was not just an honor but an opportunity to provide pivotal advice and give back to the community. It also aligns seamlessly with our global vision to establish Morocco and Africa as prominent players in the fintech and digital industry,” he said.

As a globally recognized figure, Esa’s reputation in the finance and fintech industry drew the attention of the ITC panel, which spans 179 countries, 79 government trade and investment agencies, 418 chambers of commerce, and a vast network of businesses and employees. 

After undergoing a “meticulous” evaluation process, Esa was humbled to be selected as the Deputy Chairman of this division, he said.

In his capacity as Deputy Chairman, Esa will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the ITC’s Banking/Finance/Blockchain & Trade Finance department. 

This role includes overseeing various key focus areas, including financial Instruments, risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, promoting innovative solutions, and capacity building, among others.

A bridge to Morocco

Highlighting the significance of his new role, the Moroccan entrepreneur emphasized, “I am excited about the impact we can collectively achieve, and I look forward to contributing meaningfully to the growth and transformation of trade finance and continuing to promote Morocco and the economy in the years to come.”

One of the central aspects of Esa’s new position is its potential impact on the Moroccan fintech landscape and businesses. His appointment is expected to open doors for Moroccan start-ups and fintech ventures on an international platform, he said.

“With my reputation, influence, and track record in the finance and fintech industry, I am poised to attract heightened attention and interest from investors, venture capitalists, and family offices,” he underlined.

In addition, the Moroccan entrepreneur intends to use his position to advocate for supportive regulatory frameworks for fintech start-ups in Morocco, fostering an environment that encourages investment. 

He also emphasized the importance of mentorship and personalized guidance, stressing that he is “committed to assisting start-ups in overcoming challenges, honing their strategies, and maximizing their potential for success.”

Esa’s engagement with international networks through the ITC is expected to provide Moroccan start-ups with expanded access to global markets, he noted, explaining that it will help them open doors to new markets and strengthen their credibility and standing on a global stage.

He further emphasized that his appointment “symbolizes a bridge between the Moroccan fintech ecosystem and the international financial landscape,” allowing him to “catalyze a transformational shift in how Moroccan start-ups are perceived, supported, and propelled towards greater success.”

Esa reflected on his journey with Morocco moneyIN, an instant payment solution, and how it prepared him for this new position.

“My journey with moneyIN Morocco has been a transformative experience that has uniquely prepared me for the prestigious role of Deputy Chairman within the Banking/Finance/Blockchain & Trade Finance department at the International Trade Council,” he explained.

He highlighted several key areas where his experience with moneyIN proved instrumental, including his ability to navigate the rapidly evolving fintech landscape and understand the potential of technologies like blockchain.

In particular, his background as an entrepreneur equipped him to empathize with the challenges start-ups face and advocate for measures that facilitate their growth.

His engagement with start-ups underscored the importance of mentorship and education, which Esa plans to extend globally.

Esa concluded by offering valuable advice to aspiring Moroccan entrepreneurs, encouraging them to “dream boldly, embrace disruption, and lead with integrity.”

He emphasized the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and global thinking, saying, “Aspire not only to make a mark but to leave an indelible legacy of positive change that reverberates across borders and generations.”

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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MOROCCO

MOROCCO: The First Moroccan Watchmaker Fouad Zrhari Embraces Arab, Moroccan Culture with Timeless Elegance

Besides his Elaqsa Watches and the newly launched Lion Watch, Fouad Zrhari unveiled plans to launch a third brand in 2024 that is entirely Moroccan.

 In the world of horology, where time is measured with precision and elegance is crafted into every tick of the clock, Moroccan watchmaker Fouad Zrhari managed to fuse passion and craftsmanship and create meticulously designed pieces.

In an interview with Morocco World News, Zrhari shared his journey, one that transformed his love for watchmaking into a brand that blends the artistry of Arabic calligraphy and Morocco’s rich heritage.

A Passion ignited by chance

Zrhari’s love for watchmaking began by chance, as he describes it as “just a coup de foudre,” love at first sight. 

It was the charm of timepieces that captured his heart and the idea of creating an instrument capable of measuring time, with its intricate mechanical diversity, was simply fascinating.

“The idea of creating an instrument that measures time fascinates me,” he said, adding that “the precision of tiny pieces fitting together one by one until they tell the time is just incredible.”

Like many young individuals searching for their path in life, Zrhari initially found himself at a crossroads. He stumbled upon an opportunity to attend a school for micro-mechanics, a choice that would become instrumental in shaping his destiny. 

Little did he know that this decision would later lay the foundation for his future world of watchmaking. “The effort I exerted during that time serves me well today in the world of watchmaking,” he underlined.

“The school of micro-mechanics brought me immense value because it shares many similarities with instruments of measurement and calculation” which are used in watchmaking, he explained.

With his newfound skills, Zrhari went on to work with prestigious names in the industry, including Franck Muller, Roger Dubuis, and Jaeger-LeCoultre, which became his training ground. He reminisced about those days when celebrities graced the workshops.

Within these workshops, Zrhari undertook various roles, each offering a unique perspective on the art of watchmaking. 

Through various roles and tasks, he learned the intricacies of the watchmaking process and emphasized the importance of the diverse trades within the industry. “This experience taught me about the entire process of watchmaking,” he said.

Turning a Dream into Reality 

Yet, the defining moment of Zrhari’s journey came when he decided to take a leap of faith. Despite the challenges and strict regulations of designing watches while employed in Switzerland, he chose to work discreetly from his own home.

It was a risk, but it was fueled by a dream. “I saw many Arab personalities visiting the workshops and ordering their own models,” Zrhari recalled. “I turned to my friend and asked, ‘Why don’t Arabs manufacture their own watches?’ I didn’t understand it. Even though it might not be easy, I felt we should at least try.”

The response he received was one of doubt and skepticism. “Impossible,” his friend responded as he laughed. “It’s very difficult to gain recognition, very difficult to sell, and very difficult to invest in, as it demands a significant amount of money and time,” his friend told him.

However, Zrhari embraced this skepticism as a challenge, one he was determined to overcome.

That’s when Zehari decided to craft timepieces that are more than mere instruments that tell time, but a reflection of his heritage and a celebration of Arab culture.

Championing Arab Heritage in Watchmaking

Zrhari has infused his watches with a distinctive signature that pays homage to his Moroccan origins. “Arabic calligraphy, whether subtly concealed or prominently displayed, and Indo-Arabic numerals adorning the dial are the hallmarks of my creations,” Zrhari proudly said. 

His watches stand as unique works of art, capturing the essence of his Moroccan roots.

These watches are not just timekeeping instruments; they are an embodiment of his identity, designed to be “recognizable from a distance,” Zrahri said.

What sets them apart further is their exclusivity. Zrhari’s watches are exceptionally limited in number, with the ultra-exclusive Elaqsa Watches, and the newly launched Lion Watch offering affordability to a wider audience. 

Zrhari’s promise of a third brand, entirely Moroccan, in 2024 hints at an exciting future, where Zrhari’s artistry and Moroccan heritage will shine brightly in the world of horology.

Today, Zrhari’s journey has evolved into a mission. His passion for watchmaking has become more than just a hobby, as it is now a driving force with a clear purpose. 

“There is a huge market and enthusiasm in this business,” Zrhari emphasized as he spoke of his ambition to establish a watchmaking training center in Morocco. This endeavor is not just about creating timepieces; it’s about creating added value for the African continent, he noted.

In addition, Zrahri conveyed an important message of perseverance and ambition to the youth. 

“Don’t give up, even when faced with difficulties,” Zrhari advised. “Failure is not a setback; it’s an opportunity to become even stronger.”

He encouraged young individuals to transform their passion into a profession, regardless of the field they choose. With faith and determination, success will eventually come their way, he concluded.

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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Moroccan watchmaker Fouad Zrhari and some of his deisgns

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MOROCCO

MOROCCAN Engineers Claim Two Medals in ‘iCAN 2023 International Innovation Salon’ Toronto, Canada

Moroccan Engineering Lab won two prestigious awards at the International Innovation Salon in Toronto, Canada.

Smarti Lab, a research laboratory affiliated with the Moroccan School of Engineering Sciences (EMSI), claimed two gold medals and two prestigious awards at the iCAN 2023 International Innovation Exhibition held in Toronto, Canada.

The lab’s winning invention is called the “Smart Wastewater Treatment Station” (SGWT), which is a “green, and mobile” wastewater treatment station. 

According to a statement from EMSI, the innovation addresses a critical global issue and represents a “significant leap forward” in sustainable water management.

The smart wastewater treatment station was in response to the current global water crisis, EMSI said in the statement. 

The second medal went to the “Meat Quality Verification System” (SMT), a system that offers a “simple and rapid solution for assessing the quality of various types of meat.” 

The solution relies on mechanisms that analyze meat quality using specialized integrated units. The system addresses critical health and safety concerns related to meat consumption, the statement explains.

Over the years, EMSI secured a number of awards for innovation. The engineering school has won a total of 85 awards and medals on both national and international fronts.

Engineers from the school previously participated in international innovation competitions such as ICAN in Canada, Silicon Valley in the United States, the International Innovation Exhibition in China, ISIF in Turkey, Intarg in Poland, and EuroInvent in Romania, among others.

The Canada exhibition was held from August 23 to 26, and it featured participants from 50 countries with over 800 inventions. 

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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MOROCCAN-BRITISH: Westminster’s First Arab Lord Mayor lauds community support. Hamza Taouzzale at 22, Creates History : Westminster City Council’s First Arab and Muslim, and Youngest, Lord Mayor.

  • Hamza Taouzzale, 22, became the youngest person to hold the office 
  • Serving as councilor offers chance to connect with people left behind by politics, he tells Arab News

At London’s Westminster City Hall, 22-year-old Hamza Taouzzale warmly welcomes us into his dynamic working environment.

The councilor made history in the political heart of the UK last year when he became Westminster City Council’s first Arab and Muslim, and youngest, lord mayor.

He introduced us to his realm of responsibilities, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of his duties. With a passionate demeanor, he delved into the rich history of Westminster and its surrounding boroughs, painting a vivid picture of inspiring local stories.

Taouzzale described his emotions upon learning of the news of his election as a mixture of nerves and excitement. Calling his mother, he recalled her shock, as well as the astonishment of his entire family.

“But for me, it was that pride and that representation to understand that I was going to be the first Muslim, the first person from a minority ethnicity and the youngest ever at the age of 22 to become lord mayor of Westminster,” Taouzzale added.

The role, which he held until earlier this year, involves acting as a community representative, offering a chance to connect with those who may feel disconnected from local politics and decision-making.

Taouzzale emphasized his commitment to engaging with various segments of the community, including schools, youth clubs and care homes, highlighting the need to meet the demands of locals.

Growing up on the nearby Lisson Green Estate, the 22-year-old acknowledged the importance of community support in his journey.

He recalled his initiation into politics at the age of 16, when a youth leader, Tariq, encouraged him to join the local Youth Council.

From there, Taouzzale was elected as a youth MP. That position paved the way for him to later become a Westminster City councilor.

The journey, guided by mentors and a desire to make a positive change, led to his eventual appointment as lord mayor of Westminster in May 2022.

As the first Muslim and Arab in the position, Taouzzale described his background as having provided representation to local communities. He underestimated the impact he would have globally, but gradually realized the importance of his role as a symbol of empowerment and inspiration, especially for young people.

He said: “I had people in my first week from countries I’ve never been to in the Middle East message me on Facebook: ‘I’m so, so proud of you,’ ‘This is brilliant,’ ‘Masha Allah.’

“That sort of pushed me to understand who I was representing. I wasn’t representing just Westminster; I wasn’t representing just my community. I was representing all those people who had never done something that I had been able to do, as a present in the Arab world, the Muslim world,” Taouzzale added.

Through his work, the councilor hopes to encourage others, especially young people, to see the possibilities that lie ahead. He wants to leave a legacy that motivates people to believe that, like him, they too can overcome challenges.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Hamza Taouzzale, describing his political journey to Arab News at Westminster City Hall in London, United Kingdom. (AN Photo)

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BRITISH / MOROCCAN

MOROCCO Wins 6 Medals in Athletics, 4 in Judo in the 9th Francophone Games, Kinshasa, Congo

Morocco currently ranks first totaling a number of 38 medals, with 13 gold, 11 silver, and 14 bronze.

On August 3, Moroccan athletes bagged 6 medals in athletics and 4 in judo on a single day, confirming the Kingdom’s leading position at this ninth edition of the Francophone Games taking place in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In athletics and para-athletics, the women’s 5,000-meter discipline representing the Kingdom conquered the podium with a trio comprising Rahma Tahiri, who claimed the gold medal and set a new competition record with a time of 15 minutes 56 seconds 71 milliseconds.

In second place came Kaoutar Farkoussi with a time of 15 minutes 57 seconds 91 milliseconds, while Soukaina Atanane took bronze with a time of 16 minutes 05 seconds 34 milliseconds.

In the men’s 1,500 meters, the runners Hicham Akankam and Hafid Rizqy won gold and silver recording 3 minutes 41 seconds 08 milliseconds and 3 minutes 41 seconds 89 milliseconds respectively. 

In para-athletics, Abdelkbir Jaddi won bronze in the long jump with a leap of 6.30 meters.

In judo, Hassan Doukkali won gold in the under-73 kilograms category, while Chaimae Taibi, Hamza Kabdani, and Ziane Wissal took bronze in the under-63 kilograms, under-81 kilograms and under-57 kilograms categories respectively.

In the same competition event on Tuesday, Morocco claimed three simultaneous medals in the women’s 1,500-meter event.

The three Moroccan athletes who stood on the podium were Wafa Zaroual, Soukaina Hajji, and Rababe Arafi.

Morocco currently has a total of 38 medals, with 13 gold, 11 silver, and 14 bronze, well ahead of second-placed Romania with 25 medals.

This year’s Francophone Games, which runs until August 6, brings together 2,500 young people aged 18 to 35 representing 88 countries, including Morocco, to take part in the various sporting disciplines and cultural activities scheduled for this event.

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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MOROCCO

JORDANIAN-AMERICAN: Farah Abu Adeela Crowned Miss Arab USA in Arizona Beauty Pageant

US Jordanian contestant Farah Abu Adeela from the state of Illinois was crowned Miss Arab USA at the beauty pageant’s finale in Arizona over the weekend.

The new Miss Arab USA, who is a model, takes over from 2022’s winner, Moroccan American Marwa Lahlou.

The annual pageant, which returned in 2022 after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was held in Arizona this year. Produced by The Arab American Organization (AAO), the pageant is “founded on the basis of advancing the cause of young ladies of Arab descent,” according to its website.

The swimsuit category does not feature in the pageant, with the stated aim of organizers being to “select an honorable Arab young lady to represent our culture in the US and worldwide for one year.”

This year’s ceremony featured a performance by dance troupe Zeffa of Phoenix.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Farah Abu Adeela nabbed the coveted tiara at the 2023 Miss Arab USA pageant. (Instagram)

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AMERICAN / JORDANIAN

MOROCCAN Caftan Shines at UNESCO’s Prestigious African Week in Paris

The event highlighted Moroccan caftan as a key part of Morocco’s cultural identity and diversity.

The UNESCO headquarters in Paris hosted on Tuesday evening a spectacular fashion show displaying the vibrant colors and captivating designs of Moroccan caftan. The show was part of the African Week taking place between June 5 and 9.

The event showcased the work of Moroccan designer Fatima Zahraa Al-Filali Al-Idrisi, the visionary creator behind the renowned brand “Fatim Haute Couture Made In Morocco.” She had been specifically invited to represent Morocco at the show.

With an atmosphere infused with the melodies of Tarabi and Andalusian heritage, the Moroccan designer mesmerized the audience with her unique collection of Moroccan caftans. 

She showcased “an original variety of Moroccan caftans resembling historical, vibrant, and pleasant works of art,” indicated a press release.

The statement added that Al-Idrisi’s designs “embodied both the luxury and honor of this traditional national garment, the Moroccan caftan, which has remained an authentic and refined heritage throughout different periods and generations.”

Exuding opulence and prestige, each garment embodied Morocco’s rich cultural, historical, and civilizational legacy.

The fashion event saw a  harmonious blend of international, African, and Maghreb presence, convening diplomats, professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, media representatives, and members of the African diaspora residing in France. 

With her participation in the event, under the theme “Authentic National Heritage,” Al-Idrisi aimed to highlight and celebrate Morocco’s cultural diversity and bring the international audience closer to the different cultural realms that shape the Moroccan identity.

From the Sahrawi caftan to the Amazigh caftan and the Moroccan Jewish caftan, the Moroccan designer showcased a wide range of styles, incorporating regional dimensions, including the Fassi, Rbati, Atlassi, Shamali (Northern), Sharqi (Eastern), and Janoubi (Southern) designs.

The spectacle also celebrated the craftsmanship and attention to detail involved in the creation of Moroccan caftans. This included the fabrics, textures, and captivating colors used in the caftans varied according to regions, customs, occasions, and seasons.

The event also showcased Moroccans’ mastery of caftan styling techniques, embroidery, and ornamentation, a testament to the creative skills and dedication of the North African country’s artisans.

In line with the African Week’s objective of showcasing the continent’s cultural and artisanal heritage, Al-Idrisi incorporated “prominent authentic accessories that enhanced this elegant garment,” added the statement.

The accessories included hand-women and embroidered pouches, headbands, crowns, belts, woven and metallic trims, traditional brooches, earrings, and necklaces. 

Adorned with coral and gemstones, the accessories enhanced the overall charm of the caftan designs.

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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Moroccan designer Fatima Zahraa Al-Filali Al-Idrisi at the event

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MOROCCO

SAUDI ARABIA: Winners of King Faisal Prize 2023 Honored in Riyadh

An Emirati, a Moroccan, a South Korean, two Brits and three Americans were honored with the King Faisal Prize 2023.

They served people and enriched humanity with their pioneering work so deserve to be honored and recognized for their distinguished efforts, the King Faisal Foundation said when honoring the winners of the King Faisal Prize 2023.

A glittering award ceremony was held in Riyadh on Monday under the patronage of King Salman, and on his behalf, Prince Faisal bin Bandar, governor of Riyadh Region, attended the ceremony for handing over the King Faisal Prize to the winners this year.

The annual awards are the most prestigious in the Muslim world and recognize outstanding achievement in services to Islam, Islamic studies, Arabic language and literature, medicine and science.

This year an Emirati, a Moroccan, a South Korean, two Brits and three Americans won the prestigious prize, which in its 45th session recognized COVID-19 vaccine developers, nanotechnology scientists and eminent figures in Arabic language and literature, Islamic studies, and service to Islam.

The prize for service to Islam was awarded jointly to Shaikh Nasser bin Abdullah of the UAE and Professor Choi Young Kil-Hamed from South Korea.

The prize for Islamic studies was awarded to Professor Robert Hillenbrand from the UK.

The prize for Arabic language and literature was awarded to Professor Abdelfattah Kilito of Morocco.

The prize for medicine was awarded jointly to Professor Dan Hung Barouch from the US and Professor Sarah Catherine Gilbert from the UK.

In his acceptance speech, Barouch said, “The Ad26 vaccine for COVID-19 demonstrated robust efficacy in humans, even after a single shot, and showed continued protection against virus variants that emerged. This vaccine has been rolled out across the world by the pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson, and over 200 million people have received this vaccine, particularly in the developing world.”

Gilbert said that she was “humbled to join the other 2023 laureates, and to follow-in the footsteps of the men and women whose work has been recognized by the foundation for more than four decades. This award is in recognition of my work to co-create a vaccine for COVID-19. A low-cost, accessible, efficacious vaccine that has now been used in more than 180 countries and is estimated to have saved more than six million lives by the start of 2022.”

The prize for science was awarded jointly to Professor Jackie Yi-Ru Ying and Professor Chad Alexander Mirkin, both from the US.

Ying’s research focuses on synthesis of advanced nano materials and systems, and their application in biomedicine, energy conversion and catalysis.

Her inventions have been used to solve challenges in different fields of medicine, chemistry and energy. Her development of stimuli-responsive polymeric nanoparticles led to a technology that can autoregulate the release of insulin, depending on the blood glucose levels in diabetic patients, without the need for external blood glucose monitoring.

“I am deeply honored to be receiving the King Faisal prize in science, especially as the first female recipient of this award,” she said in her acceptance speech.

This year two women scientists have been honored as winners of the King Faisal Prize for medicine and science categories.

The woman behind the Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, Professor Sarah Gilbert, the Saïd chair of vaccinology in the Nuffield department of Medicine at Oxford University, was honored with the medicine award.

The other woman scientist honored with the King Faisal Prize in science is Professor Jackie Yi-Ru Ying; the A-star senior fellow and director at NanoBio Lab, Agency for Science, Technology and Research. She is a professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and was chosen for her work on the synthesis of advanced nanomaterials and systems, and their applications in catalysis, energy conversion and biomedicine.

The King Faisal Prize was established in 1977. The prize was granted for the first time in 1979 in three categories: Service to Islam, Islamic studies and Arabic language and literature. Two additional categories were introduced in 1981: Medicine and science. The first medicine prize was awarded in 1982, and in science two years later.

Since 1979, the King Faisal Prize in its different categories has awarded 290 laureates who have made distinguished contributions to different sciences and causes.

Each prize laureate is given $200,000 (SR750,000); a 24-carat gold medal weighing 200 grams, a certificate inscribed with the laureate’s name and a summary of their work that qualified them for the prize, and the certificate signed by chairman of the prize board, Prince Khalid Al-Faisal.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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MOROCCO / U.A.E. / SAUDI ARABIA

MOROCCO: CEO Omar Channawi Features on Forbes’ Global Meets Local List

CEO of the Middle East, Global Entrepreneurial Markets, and Sub Sahara Africa at Procter & Gamble (P&G) Omar Channawi has featured in the Forbes’ “Global Meets Local 2022” list for the MENA region.

The Moroccan businessman also holds the position of P&G’s Senior Vice President of Sales in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.

Channawi started his career with P&G Morocco in 1993 and assumed his current position in 2019 after building a solid career with the American consumer goods corporation over two decades.

P&G is the parent organization of numerous well-known brands such as Downy, Pampers, Always, Braun, Gillette, Olay, Oral-B, and Head & Shoulders. 

The company’s portfolio also includes brands that are often seen as competitors in the MENA market such as Tide and Ariel. 

According to Forbes, P&G accumulated $80.2 billion in net sales in the 2021/22 financial year with the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and India contributing to 14% of total net sales.

The decades-long economic growth recorded in some MENA economies has encouraged numerous multinational companies such as P&G to set up offices in the Middle East, most often in the region’s largest economic hub Dubai.  

The presence of multinational companies in the region, according to Forbes, “create[s] thousands of jobs as well as bringing technological advancements and capital into the region.”

This year, Forbes recognized 51 executives from 50 companies for the 10th edition of its annual Global Meets Local ranking. The companies operate in the technology, banking, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and automotive sectors.

As for the executives, they represent 27 nationalities with most CEOs coming from Britain and France, each had five executives on the list. 

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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The Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and India contributed by 14% t o P&G’s total net sales in the 2021/22 financial year.

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MOROCCO

MOROCCO: 1st Edition of ‘Jassad Festival’ Honors Women Theater Directors

Morocco’s cultural capital Rabat is hosting the first edition of Jassad, the International Festival of Women Directors, between October 25 and 30. The event aims to highlight and pay tribute to the achievements of women theater directors from across the world.

Organized by Morocco’s Aquarium Theater and Anfass Theater, the festival will feature renowned women directors from Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon, Spain, France, Denmark, and Romania.

“Through this festival, we wish to establish a ritual of recognition towards all the creative women who serve the theater,” said Amsaa Houri, director of Anfass Theater.

The six-day event also aims to “strengthen the resilience and hope of women actors in the cultural and creative industry, at a time when the sector has been seriously affected by the Covid-19 pandemic,” Houri added.

The festival serves as a platform for cultural and artistic exchanges, as its program offers a wide range of activities, including plays, a master class, workshops, as well as meetings and debates, indicated the organizers in a press release.

Director of Aquarium Theater Naima Zitan described the festival as “a meeting, an exchange, a discovery, all this and a little more,” explaining that the event is dedicated to theatrical creation, as well as exchanging ideas, experiences, and different visions of the world.

“The Jassad (meaning body in Arabic) is what unites us, wearing a festive hat to welcome and greet a vast and colorful audience,” Zitan said.

The festival will feature various theatrical pieces, including Naima Zitan’s “Le Masque” (The Mask), Asmaa Houri’s “Automne” (Autumn), as well as “Joyeux Anniversaire” (Happy Birthday) by Morocco’s Fatima Zohra Lahouitar and “Boujloud” by French-Moroccan Kenza Berrada. 

The six-day event will also feature “Nawal” by Lebanon’s Lina Abyad, “Heimat Wort” by Tunisia’s Meriam Bousselmi, “Enlorquecidas” by Spain’s Marta Ocana, and “Une Maison de Poupee” by France’s Lorraine de Sagazan.

In addition, the event will include a seminar titled “Profession: Woman of Theater,” featuring Morocco’s Zohra Makac and Omar Ferhat, Lebanese director and theater professor Lina Abyad, and Denmark’s theater actress Julia Varley.

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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The poster of the Jassad International Festival of Women Directors featuring renowned directors

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MOROCCO