The announcement of the prize list of 29th Edition of Carthage Cinematic Days (JCC) greatly surprised professionals and moviegoers. Fully unexpected and completely unfair records for some.
From the end of the ceremony, criticisms fell on this list, more particularly with regard to fiction feature films competitions, documentary feature and first work.
First of all, everyone wondered why the feature film Look at me Directed by Nejib Belkadhi has had no prices. Since its screening, this film had had great success with the public and professionals. Many said he was the most beautiful film in the competition.
Same for the young actor Idryss Kharoubi who played in this same film the role of Youssef, a young autistic child. Idryss had been sublime. Most of those who saw the film wondered if he was really autistic or not?
The jury could have given at least one mention to the young actor to congratulate him, encourage him and recognize his talent. I totally share this opinion.
Stupor also concerning The Egyptian film Yomeddine Directed by Abu Bakr Shawki which only won the Tanit of Silver.
In fact, the forecasts of the public and the various professionals gave these two films Look at me And Yomeddine winners.
Other criticisms also concerned the films The unfinished trip Syrian JOUD SAID which won four prizes (bronze tanit, best image, public price and the price fipresci) and Sofia of the Moroccan Meriem Ben M’Barek which won three prizes (special mention of the jury, TV5 world prize and Taher Cheriaa price). Why so many prices for these two films, when the juries could have distributed these awards in a slightly more balanced and fair way? Why is it Sofia won the two first work prizes while Yomeddine Who is much more beautiful and whose subject is more interesting and unusual and who would contribute in the same category, had nothing?
There are also many who considered that the film Fatwa by Mahmoud Ben Mahmoud did not deserve the Tanit d’Or. An Iraqi cinema criticism said that if the members of the jury had chosen this film for its theme concerning the indoctrination of young people, Weldi, my dear child by Mohamed Ben Attia would have been a more judicious choice, this film presenting the subject from a new angle, more subtle and more scary than the direct speech of the film Fatwa. On the other hand, there are few who questioned the price of best actor awarded to Ahmed Hefiane.
Critics have also concerned the documentaries. Why do movies like Subutex of Nasreddine Shili Or From father to son (of Fathers and Sons) of Talal Derki had nothing?
According to a filmmaker, it is not normal that From father to son which is a magnificent documentary and who required a huge work on the part of his director (he devoted 4 years there and risked his life to film him), had nothing as a tasteless documentary as You come from Far Away of Amal Ramsis which was based mainly on archive images and some taken on an avenue in Barcelona won the Tanit of Silver!
I totally share this opinion. For From father to sonthe director shared the life of a Daechian family. He was able to film them and show us how children are educated and prepared to become future terrorists. Scary ! From father to son has already won a good dozen prizes at other festivals, but nothing at the JCC!
Critics concerning this track record continued on social networks. Director Lotfi Achour has also written a status in which he goes so far as to accuse the magouilles festivals.
What Dora Bouchoucha refutes who was director of JCC in 2008, 2010 and 2014.
Ridha Behi, member of the jury of the official long and short fictional films also published a status on his Facebook account to ensure that the jury has not undergone any pressure and that he assumes his choices.
Yes, this record surprised almost all, however, even if we do not share all the choices of the three juries, the fact remains that the award -winning films are almost all of quality (Most of them are mostly in the list of my favorite films) and that slice between them is very difficult!
Neïla Driss
Read on the same subject:
– Carthage 2018 Cartham Cinematographic Days in Figures
– JCC 2018 – Nine Tunisian films in official competition
– JCC 2018 – projects selected as part of Chabaka 2018
– The JCC, a festival created by moviegoers for moviegoers
– JCC 2018 – The festival will take place as planned
– JCC 2018 – A poster in tribute to Youssef Chahine.
– After its success at the 2018 JCC, the Egyptian film Yomeddine distributed in Tunisia
– JCC 2018 – The movies I preferred
– JCC 2018 in regions – the detailed screening program
– The JCC of prisons, 4 years already!
– JCC 2018 – Two Tanit d’Or for Tunisian films Fatwa and Brotherhood.
– JCC 2018 – The fence ceremony in photos
