The FIFM Pays Tribute to Jilali Ferhati

Actor, director and producer, Jilali Ferhati is an emblematic figure of Moroccan cinema. Born in 1948 in Aït Ouahi near Khemisset, Jilali Ferhati has always cultivated a love for theater and cinema. In 1977, he released his first feature film "Brèche dans le mur" which had a great success. Four years later, it is a new master stroke: "Poupées de roseaux", which won several awards at international festivals.

This year, the 17th edition of the FIFM pays tribute to this icon of the 7th Moroccan art alongside other big names : Robert De Niro, Agnes Varda and Robin Wright.

We had the privilege  to speak exclusively with the filmmaker on the occasion of this tribute for the "FilmExport" platform that works on the international promotion of Moroccan cinema.

Mr. Farhati, you have a degree in literature and sociology, how far has this affected your cinematographic eye ?

Of course, that had an impact. But as I always say, studies alone are not enough. We have the opportunity to learn many other things in life. Personally, I did theater for a while as well as several other activities that gave me lot of experience. And I think it's the combination of all these elements that shaped  who I am today.

How do you manage your time and especially your energy with three caps, those of director, producer and actor at the same time ?

Simply because there’s a prolongation between scriptwriting, directing and acting. I have always loved writing. I wanted to be a novelist. That's what pushed me to write my own scripts because I enjoy doing it. And for production, we all know that in Morocco, we  haven’t real producers, that why I’m producing my films by myself.

Do you feel more comfortable as a director as an actor ?

I think it's necessary to be comfortable with everything you do, especially if you do it with passion.

Can you qualify your movies as a part of author cinéma ?

Assuming that my films do not bring me any money, I can say that yes I do author cinema.

During the 12th edition of the FIFM you were a member of the jury and today you come back for a tribute. How do you feel about it ?

It's a real happiness ! It is a great recognition to know that my cinema moved, interested and that it exists. It's even more an honor for me to be alongside big names like Robert De Niro, Agnes Varda and Robin Wright.

With his creativity and style, Jilali Ferhati has left his mark in Moroccan cinema. Thanks to his films, this activist of the 7th art brought a different vision away from clichés and "classic" films. This tribute is only a recognition of the long and brilliant career this activist of cinema had.