Interview with Kamel Aouij director of Panorama International Short Film Festival

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Kamel Aouij is a young and enthusiastic lover of cinema. With his contagious vivacity, he organizes an emerging film festival: Panorama International Short Film Festival. The goal is to promote and enhance the short film. An artistic medium in great expansion, used by new filmmakers as first attempts in directing.

Therefore, Kamel's activity is very important and deserve to be supported.

We had a long conversation with Kamel. He explains his idea of festival and his idea of film.

Dear Kamel, when and who had the idea for the Panorama International Short Film Festival? 

In 2016, after attending a play, the idea came to me to organize a festival with the aim of motivating young beginners and or professional and short films are easier access to more than one title including the number of days of the event with the occupation of a local that becomes longer with feature films in addition to other requirements.

Did you collaborate with other Festival?

No, I've never collaborated with other festival but I screened my film only on my festival at the 3rd edition.

When and where will the next edition be?

It will take place from February 2 to 4, 2021 at the City of Culture, Tahar Cheriaa Hall.

How many short films will participate in the next edition?

For the moment we have received more than a hundred international film applications that have been screened by a selection committee authorized for this purpose.

What are the difficulties to organize a film festival in Tunisia?

Mainly difficulties are of financial nature and then the search for premises to host the event.

Do you have any help from Government or association?

By the way, I made a partnership with the Association of Parents and Friends of the Handicapped.

Beyond Tunisia, which countries have the highest number of requests for participation?

For this year, Egypt is in the lead with 40 films already.

And any application from Italy?

No, we haven't received yet.

When you choose a short film to participate, what criteria, what standard you follow?

The appointment of a jury, sometimes national or international, comes first among the tasks of organization of the event. Then, they become autonomous for the designation of the evaluation criteria, with respect for confidentiality.

The production of shorts is increasing, what are the reasons that drive a filmmaker to direct a short film?

The main reason is financial, like means, volunteer, work participants.

What are the artistic differences between a long film and a short film? 

In short film is more difficult to get the targeted message across

What is the relationship between a short film and YouTube?

The relationship between a short film and YouTube, it's to broadcast the films online and free, so everyone can see. Also, it is possible to watch films that have no chance to partecipate at the festival.

Who were the winner of the latest Panorama International Short Film Festival?

The jury has chosen 3 best short films. 

The winners were Noah directed by Abanoup Youssef from Egypt, 6060 Sound for Mohamed Mhamdi from Algeria and Le petit fils directed by Mortadha Ghannouchi from Tunisia

In this period of health emergency, the production of shorts about Covid-19 is high. To avoid conformism what features will have to have the short about the virus?

The films received are rather based on other subjects. Perhaps young people consider this consequence of virus temporary due to unconsciousness or optimism or other reasons requiring further research.

What is the artistic level of films in Tunisia?

The level is respectable since Tunisia participates in many international festivals, sometimes winning honourable trophies.

Kamel, what personal experience do you have on shorts production?

I made a short film name "Facebook le film" which is a 14 minute film about couple betrayal in social networks. I produced in 2010 and 2015, available on YouTube. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cckajLOTuk)

Why are you into shorts film?

Because it requires less financial means without the risk of annoying the spectators.

Thank you, Kamal, for share with us your idea of festival and for your work in favour of cinema.

Written by Roberto Matteucci