guests of honor 2024
AZIZ BAKOUR
As both director and artist, AZIZ BAKOUR combines technical prowess with a keen artistic sensibility, infusing every frame with depth, emotion, and storytelling magic. From whimsical 2D animations to breathtaking 3D spectacles, AZIZ BAKOUR and the talented team at TRIAXIS STUDIO collaborate seamlessly to bring visions to life with unparalleled creativity and precision. What sets AZIZ BAKOUR and TRIAXIS STUDIO apart is a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a deep understanding of animation production, AZIZ BAKOUR oversees every aspect of the creative process, from concept development to final delivery. The result is a portfolio of work that not only dazzles the senses but also resonates with audiences on a profound level. In a city known for its vibrant culture and artistic heritage, TRIAXIS STUDIO stands as a beacon of modern creativity, pushing the boundaries of animation to new heights. Whether collaborating with local businesses or international clients, AZIZ BAKOUR and the team are dedicated to delivering animation experiences that inspire, entertain, and leave a lasting impression.
PASCALE FAKHRY
After being the artistic director of ALFILM – Arab Film Festival Berlin for two years, Pascale Fakhry is, since 2022, the director of the festival. She holds a PhD in Film and Gender Studies from Paris 3 University (Sorbonne Nouvelle). She is also the author of numerous articles on Gender and Representation in American genre films. She has worked with ALFILM since 2013 as a programmer and an organizer. She is also a film editor and worked on many feature and documentary film projects. In 2015 she led Metropolis Cinema’s Cinema on the Road project in Beirut. In 2024 she was also the Project Manager of the Cinema of Commoning symposium.
Ania Wójtowicz
Ania Wójtowicz is a Polish-American creative producer and filmmaker based in Qatar. Since 2015 she has worked with the Doha Film Institute as the Qumra Shorts Programme Manager and Film Training Senior Coordinator, playing a key role in the production of over 50 DFI-supported films. She is the main producer of two award-winning creative short documentaries, “Emily, ilaw ng tahanan” and “Ghareeb.” Independently, Ania has produced video/multimedia performance installation artworks for the British Council exhibition "The Place I Call Home" (2019), Qatar Foundation (2018), the Kuwait Pavilion at the Venice Biennale (2016), and the Oslo Architecture Triennale (2016). Her directorial debut “Fever Dream” screened at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival. She regularly mentors emerging filmmakers in collaboration with various institutions, and has been a juror for short film funds and festivals.
Lamia Chraibi
Lamia Chraïbi is a Moroccan producer and founder of Moon & Deal Films (Paris, 2011) and La Prod (Casablanca, 2007). Known for her commitment to diverse storytelling, Lamia excels in international co-productions, blending creativity with rigor. She has collaborated with prominent directors like Hicham Lasri, Narjiss Nejjar, and Ismael Ferroukhi. Her notable projects include co-producing Oliver Laxe’s "Las Mimosas" (Grand Prize at Cannes 2016) and Balint Kenyeres’s "Tegnap" (Locarno Film Festival). Lamia also produced Morocco’s first fantasy film, Talal Selhami’s "Achoura," and Ismael Ferroukhi’s "Mica." Her documentary work features Simone Bitton’s "Ziyara," Mohamed El Aboudi’s "School of Hope," and Dalila Ennadre’s "Genet, Our Father of Flowers." In 2021, Lamia participated in Film Independent’s Global Media Makers program and founded Fondation Tamayouz to support women in Moroccan cinema. She also joined EAVE with Hicham Lasri’s upcoming film "Thank You Satan" and completed the ACE Annual Program with Talal Selhami’s "Le Refuge."
ZINEB KHARROUBI
Zineb Kharroubi is the Head of Festival Distribution and International Sales at La Luna Productions. Originally from Morocco, she has been living in France for the past four years. Zineb holds a Bachelor's degree in Management Sciences, a Master's degree in Digital Marketing, and a Master's degree in Management of Cultural Projects and Institutions, where she wrote theses on the representation of so-called Oriental women in Western art and the decolonization of art through art. She also completed a Master's degree in Film Distribution last year. Before joining La Luna Productions, she spent nearly two years as a Distribution and Sales Assistant at Miyu Distribution, specializing in the distribution of animated short films. Passionate about cinema, Zineb is dedicated to promoting impactful, socially engaged films on the international stage.
BARTOSZ FRIESE
Bartosz Friese - graduate of the Krzysztof Kieslowski Film School in Katowice and postgraduate studies at the Adam Mickiewicz University in the field of audience development. Professionally associated with the field of culture, film and theater. Coordinator on behalf of the Warsaw Culture Department of the international Adeste and Connecting Audiences projects, which brings together cultural institutions in the field of audience development. Cooperated with warsaw theaters and worked in the Department of film culture dissemination and promotion at the Polish Film Institute. Currently distributing and coordinating the promotion of Munk Studio's short and feature-length films.
KAMAL KAMAL
Kamal Kamal, born in 1961 in Berkane, is an acclaimed filmmaker and musician. His artistic journey began with studies in music theory and Gharnati music at the conservatory in Oujda from 1971 to 1978. In 1981, he pursued higher education at the same city's university, focusing on French literature. In 1986, Kamal organized the Festival of Popular Arts in Saidia, showcasing his passion for cultural promotion. Two years later, he founded the Rai Festival in Oujda, further establishing his influence in the arts. Between 1993 and 1996, he refined his screenwriting skills at the Conservatoire Libre du Cinéma Français in Paris. Since 1997, Kamal has made significant contributions to the production of numerous music videos and commercials while also working with Moroccan television, directing several telefilms and series. His impressive filmography includes five feature films: Taif Nizar (2002), La Symphonie Marocaine (2005), Sotto Voce (2013), Nadira (2018), and L'Hymne des Amoureux (2023). Kamal’s musical compositions have garnered international acclaim; in 2013, six of his works were performed by the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, and in 2016, the Paris Symphony Orchestra showcased several of his arrangements of Moroccan music at the Zenith in Paris. Through his diverse contributions to film and music, Kamal Kamal continues to enrich the cultural landscape, celebrating Moroccan artistry and bringing it to a global audience.