(MENAFN- Morocco World News) A documentary on the life of the late internationally acclaimed Moroccan writer Mohamed Choukri was removed from the program of the fifth annual 'Le Festival International De Cinema et Memoire Commune De Nador' to be held May 2-7 in the northern city of Nador.
Titled “Choukri A Sincere Man” the documentary was taken off the festival's schedule for fear it would 'offend the conservative audience.' In a statement Driss Deiback the director of the documentary claimed to be victim of censorship although he “obtained a license from the Moroccan Cinematography Centre (CMM).” He said that the festival director sent him a “cold and brief” note to inform him of the decision. Deiback added that the director of the festival wrote to him saying that the decision was taken because the film addresses “sensitive issues” that could “hurt the feelings of the audience especially religious fundamentalists and other conservative audience members.” Responding to his protest Deiback a native of Melilla a Spanish enclave said that the director of the festival allegedly replied that he could file a complaint but as a “Spanish citizen he had no possibility of success in Morocco.” During his life Choukri's writings created controversy in Morocco. Now a documentary about the writer is likely to stir debate. In 2014 the Mohamed Choukri Foundation created an international award the 'Mohamed Choukri International Prize.' The award has been given every year since its inception to authors of creative writing in Morocco and worldwide. Edited by Kelsey Fish
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