tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180576162011-11-07T18:54:08.975-08:00The Official Tribeca Film Institute blog for photographs, daily descriptions and participant observations on 16 Moroccan and New York, young, talented filmmakers making films in Morocco and New York.Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.comBlogger3001100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1149201467917383752006-06-01T15:37:00.000-07:002006-06-01T15:37:47.950-07:00

This program is assisted financially by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State under the authority of the Fulbright-Hays Act of 1961, as amended, and was produced in association with the Marrakech International Film Festival Foundation under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148970990085019522006-05-29T23:35:00.000-07:002006-05-29T23:36:30.086-07:00

The Eight Hunter students have formed a film collective and showed their films at a screening at the Imaginasian Theater on May 11th. The Moroccan students are also trying to do the same thing back home.The best thing is students really found pairs, or even groups of students that they feel a real connection with artistically and this is very promising for future collaborations on films unrelated

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148970865183694872006-05-29T23:34:00.001-07:002006-05-29T23:37:47.370-07:00

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148970859306787582006-05-29T23:34:00.000-07:002006-05-29T23:37:26.436-07:00

Nonetheless, everyone did something in the morning. Some bought new cameras at B+H, the superstore. Others visited the Statue of Liberty. A few are staying another week.After they went to see the Statue, they invited her to come see Morocco with them, and here she is, going to visit with them. What a beautiful end to a beautiful story.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148970755522188202006-05-29T23:32:00.000-07:002006-05-29T23:38:35.976-07:00

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148970728307570812006-05-29T23:31:00.001-07:002006-05-29T23:38:15.896-07:00

Everyone to their own devices in the morning. I didn’t see anyone all day. No doubt many adventures were had. When I get pictures and journal entries, they will fill in this blank...Many of the students were in movie theaters all day, as the festival was showing all the winners from the night before.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148970699171773912006-05-29T23:31:00.000-07:002006-05-29T23:31:39.173-07:00

However, at night, we all gathered together our farewell pizza party. Everyone signed our beautiful Marrakech/Tribeca Filmmaker Exchange posters for each other as a souvenir.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148970621822805752006-05-29T23:30:00.001-07:002006-05-29T23:30:21.830-07:00

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148970603767424032006-05-29T23:30:00.000-07:002006-05-29T23:30:03.773-07:00

Lenina�s father came to give us a quick history of Salsa Music, because we were planning on going salsa dancing that evening.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148970571713457842006-05-29T23:29:00.000-07:002006-05-29T23:29:31.816-07:00

Once he taught us a few songs we were on a roll. You know how this group loves to sing together. Peter and Katayoun Belgari-Scarlet visited and remarked how much we resemble a huge, happy family. All in all a lovely time. Then we went to the salsa club and danced.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148970464690441232006-05-29T23:27:00.000-07:002006-05-29T23:28:20.030-07:00

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148970366274763912006-05-29T23:26:00.000-07:002006-05-29T23:26:06.283-07:00

The history of Coney Island is fascinating, and I recommend going to http://naid.sppsr.ucla.edu/ConeyIsland/ if you would like a detailed history of its different eras. This was the big shooting day as a group and in pairs. Everyone took their cameras out at 10AM and hopped on the F train, which took us all the way to Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue. Some rode the Cyclone �at their own risk.�

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148970247679892332006-05-29T23:24:00.000-07:002006-05-29T23:24:07.686-07:00

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148970234929377042006-05-29T23:23:00.001-07:002006-05-29T23:23:54.940-07:00

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148970218638973482006-05-29T23:23:00.000-07:002006-05-29T23:23:38.646-07:00

That night, no one complained about being tired. Everyone got dressed up and went to the Awards� Ceremony, which was held at the Golden Bridge Chinese Banquet Hall overlooking the Manhattan Bridge.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148969466009767072006-05-29T23:11:00.000-07:002006-05-29T23:11:06.020-07:00

Then we danced... (seems like a running theme doesn�t it...Dancing and filming...)

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148969229938021772006-05-29T23:06:00.000-07:002006-05-29T23:07:09.940-07:00

In the morning the students visited the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens, yet another of the five boroughs of New York. Diana Logreira gave a spectacular tour. The museum is great because it shows the history of the moving image starting with Magic Lanterns, then optical illusion childrens’ toys up to how sound is all redone in a studio these days. They have the original Charlie Chaplin

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148969108631785102006-05-29T23:05:00.000-07:002006-05-29T23:05:08.630-07:00

The museum spans the entire history of film. Here are some of the first games to play with the idea of putting still images into motion.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148969045110436532006-05-29T23:04:00.000-07:002006-05-29T23:04:05.116-07:00

Here Simo becomes Frank Sinatra.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148968968688890792006-05-29T23:02:00.001-07:002006-05-29T23:02:48.700-07:00

This is an original costume, now lifeless, just skin.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148968934890192982006-05-29T23:02:00.000-07:002006-05-29T23:02:14.896-07:00

Then we rushed back to Manhattan for the Group Screening at the Tribeca Grand. This screening was dedicated to the students� work individually. It was very important for the participants to get to know each others� work when not given an assignment, and when in their own worlds and familiar atmospheres, to understand what they choose to do. It seemed that people were really surprised by these

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148968860545881192006-05-29T23:01:00.000-07:002006-05-29T23:01:00.553-07:00

In addition, we had Marwan Hamed of The Yacoubian Building with us. This started a lively and healthy conversation about the different film industries, Egypt and Hollywood. The movie is expected to be very controversial in Egypt because it deals with topics that are not often expressed publicly, including corruption in government, homosexuality, rape and polygamy. The conversation turned to the

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148968840975722512006-05-29T23:00:00.000-07:002006-05-29T23:00:40.983-07:00

We all can�t wait to hear what the reaction of the country will be to this film. We really thank Marwan for coming and speaking with us.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148968750353318122006-05-29T22:59:00.000-07:002006-05-29T22:59:10.356-07:00

Afterwards we went to eat sushi! All 20 of us fit in a restaurant on Bleecker St. and Cornelia (I think, if not then Sullivan.) They were great to accomodate us.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148968501448197172006-05-29T22:55:00.000-07:002006-05-29T22:55:01.456-07:00

I took some people who wanted to experience �true grit� to a country/western bar on the Upper West Side. A good time was had by all. A lot of two-stepping and Johnny Cash.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148968423890715212006-05-29T22:53:00.000-07:002006-05-29T22:53:43.896-07:00

If you search in the blog for "sandwitch" you will see why I put this in here.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148055229307414632006-05-19T09:08:00.000-07:002006-05-19T09:13:49.540-07:00

Thursday was a huge day. First we woke up early and met Madelyn Wils for a private tour of Ground Zero. First we went up into One Liberty Plaza and looked at the most recent plans for the site.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148054780743792202006-05-19T09:06:00.000-07:002006-05-19T09:06:20.756-07:00

New Freedom Tower model

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148054730415998032006-05-19T09:05:00.000-07:002006-05-19T09:05:30.423-07:00

Thank you to Madelyn for sharing her experience on that day, and for explaining the planning process. A few things I remember are that it took 15 minutes to get to your office even once you were inside the building and past security because there were three elevator banks.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148054543977879182006-05-19T09:02:00.000-07:002006-05-19T09:02:24.006-07:00

This building next to it was damaged and is thus being removed little by litte. The EPA will not allow an implosion because it will negatively affect the air in the area where there are too many people every day. There is much more, but I�ll leave it to the students to tell their impressions...

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148054370103456652006-05-19T08:59:00.000-07:002006-05-19T08:59:30.110-07:00

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148054149951670512006-05-19T08:55:00.000-07:002006-05-19T08:55:50.366-07:00

Then we went into the family room, which was emotional and touching.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148054016466872932006-05-19T08:53:00.000-07:002006-05-19T08:53:36.480-07:00

Finally, we went into the still unopened first new building to be rebuilt after September 11th. It�s name is 7 World Trade Center Plaza. We went up to the 50th floor and had a spectacular view, as well as an idea of how tall the WTC must have been if it was 110 floors.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148053772031520572006-05-19T08:49:00.000-07:002006-05-19T08:49:32.063-07:00

In this shot you can see out towards the East River. This really makes you realize what a dense island the island of Manhatta is. Water on all sides and you can see it all from the 50th floor.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148053720315101652006-05-19T08:48:00.001-07:002006-05-19T08:48:40.326-07:00

This is a view uptown. The needle shaped skyscraper is the empire state building...

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148053682782399482006-05-19T08:48:00.000-07:002006-05-19T08:48:02.783-07:00

View of the Hudson River. That's New Jersey across the river.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148053478915124452006-05-19T08:44:00.000-07:002006-05-29T23:08:57.286-07:00

After we left the site, we went up to the Museum of Modern Art where Ferentesh Daftari and Michelle Yun, curators of the exhibition �Without Boundary: Seventeen Ways of Looking,� gave us a tour of the exhibition, which includes both Iranian and Middle Eastern artists, and a couple Americans. It was a perfect thing for this program to see. The students had a great time wandering around the museum,

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148053283884592532006-05-19T08:41:00.000-07:002006-05-19T08:41:23.883-07:00

Afterwards, many of the students walked from MoMA to Times Square to shoot footage.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148053220707251982006-05-19T08:40:00.000-07:002006-05-19T08:40:20.716-07:00

Pedestrians waiting for the light to change in Times Square can seem like a full army, from the old civil war days when the two sides just charged at each other...

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148053169864881492006-05-19T08:39:00.000-07:002006-05-19T08:39:29.893-07:00

the other side

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148053111301129412006-05-19T08:38:00.001-07:002006-05-19T08:38:31.316-07:00

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148053081110332302006-05-19T08:38:00.000-07:002006-05-19T08:38:01.150-07:00

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148053068456079182006-05-19T08:37:00.000-07:002006-05-19T08:37:48.463-07:00

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148052999902316972006-05-19T08:36:00.000-07:002006-05-19T08:36:39.923-07:00

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148052958040414232006-05-19T08:35:00.000-07:002006-05-19T08:35:58.046-07:00

We spent a long time there. Afterall, it is the most analogous place to Place Jema al Fnaa in New York for its amount of traffic and iconicism. Later in the week we will go to Coney Island because it rivals Jema al Fnaa in its spectacles, storytelling and �smoke and mirrors.�

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148025158528272242006-05-19T00:52:00.001-07:002006-05-19T00:52:38.543-07:00

Marvin told us about a great Indian food restaurant near Times Square. It was the first time for many eating Indian food, and most really liked it.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148025144836631442006-05-19T00:52:00.000-07:002006-05-19T00:52:24.843-07:00

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148024209965809452006-05-19T00:36:00.000-07:002006-05-19T00:36:49.966-07:00

Detail of the eveningWe ended the night at a bar in Brooklyn, another borough of New York, where a "Bohemian Marching Band" wooed us with their no-less-than 14-piece jazzy orchestra.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148023964224286972006-05-19T00:32:00.001-07:002006-05-19T00:32:44.230-07:00

Late nights? OR Early mornings? Who cares? We're in New York "The city that never sleeps."

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148023944057621292006-05-19T00:32:00.000-07:002006-05-19T00:32:24.063-07:00

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148023813105762862006-05-19T00:30:00.000-07:002006-05-19T00:30:36.380-07:00

In the morning, many of the students went to Hunter to sit in on the highest film class offered there (as George explained to me.) This was their final class and they were holding critiques of the films produced in the class. The Moroccans contributed their views and started some very interesting conversations. They were also impressed with some of the films. Thanks to the teacher for welcoming

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148023666164176462006-05-19T00:27:00.000-07:002006-05-19T00:27:46.166-07:00

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148023576770828892006-05-19T00:25:00.000-07:002006-05-19T00:26:35.936-07:00

Afterwards, the students attended the second and final screening of "Once Upon a Time in Marrakech," at PACE University, which has very large theater that was pretty well packed. Then went to see "Sound of the Soul," a documentary about the Fez Sacred Music Festival in Morocco directed by Stephen Olsson. Afterwards there was a round table with different religious leaders. Some students

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148023281835589322006-05-19T00:21:00.001-07:002006-05-19T00:25:18.470-07:00

I turn go out to buy reinforcements for two seconds and look what happens! I can't leave you guys alone for one second...

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148023304708197442006-05-19T00:21:00.000-07:002006-05-19T00:22:03.000-07:00

That night, we went to Kim's fiance's house in the East Village and had a middle-eastern food barbeque. Very American and Moroccan--how well we get along!

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148023236489781592006-05-19T00:20:00.000-07:002006-05-19T00:20:36.496-07:00

The hat is telling her to go somewhere--and she is going to follow it.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148023199737734052006-05-19T00:19:00.003-07:002006-05-19T00:19:59.746-07:00

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148023180759129492006-05-19T00:19:00.002-07:002006-05-19T00:19:40.770-07:00

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148023163652876592006-05-19T00:19:00.001-07:002006-05-19T00:19:23.653-07:00

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148023150995795772006-05-19T00:19:00.000-07:002006-05-19T00:19:10.996-07:00

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148023137950007612006-05-19T00:18:00.001-07:002006-05-19T00:18:57.950-07:00

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148023125356830772006-05-19T00:18:00.000-07:002006-05-19T00:18:45.366-07:00

The Pink Hat Strikes Again!

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148021283770790612006-05-18T23:46:00.000-07:002006-05-18T23:49:01.836-07:00

At the Filmmaker Brunch the group met the other co-founder of the festival, Mr. Robert Deniro. He blends in well with the fellow filmmakers, no?At night the students had their "Marrakech Calling" screening at Hunter College. This program made up of only the student films the students accomplished during or directly inspired by the first phase of the project. These were films responding to the

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148021051800537042006-05-18T23:44:00.000-07:002006-05-18T23:44:11.806-07:00

We had a great turnout for the screening and everyone who was there asked interesting questions. The discussions continued at the reception and no one wanted to leave. But eventually, our man Peter Jackson wanted to go home. Thanks to him for staying so late. We all had a great time.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148020973875171922006-05-18T23:42:00.000-07:002006-05-18T23:42:53.876-07:00

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148020626166592402006-05-18T23:37:00.000-07:002006-05-18T23:37:06.176-07:00

The slideshow in the background lent a nice atmosphere, special thanks to Mick and Peter Jackson for that.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148020528417840612006-05-18T23:35:00.001-07:002006-05-18T23:35:28.423-07:00

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148020509760571942006-05-18T23:35:00.000-07:002006-05-18T23:35:09.770-07:00

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148020491641513332006-05-18T23:34:00.002-07:002006-05-18T23:34:51.643-07:00

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148020478597765592006-05-18T23:34:00.001-07:002006-05-18T23:34:38.610-07:00

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148020450509314882006-05-18T23:34:00.000-07:002006-05-18T23:34:10.516-07:00

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148020423153678262006-05-18T23:33:00.001-07:002006-05-19T00:03:23.506-07:00

And after the reception, most went to the Kodak Filmmaker Party at BED. No pictures emerged as far as I know...

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148020438653351892006-05-18T23:33:00.000-07:002006-05-18T23:33:58.660-07:00

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148016757692878042006-05-18T22:32:00.000-07:002006-05-30T13:22:13.846-07:00

Monday, everyone had a bit of free time to see the movies they wanted to see most. A big group went to see the highest costing Egyptian movie of all time, The Yacoubian Building or Omaret Yacoubian in Egyptian Arabic. Marwan Hamed, the 28-year-old director and winner in the "Best New Narrative Filmmaker" came to speak with the students on Friday (see Friday Group Screening). Simo chose to go back

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148015558083534492006-05-18T22:12:00.000-07:002006-05-18T22:55:58.206-07:00

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148015169218585462006-05-18T22:06:00.000-07:002006-05-18T22:06:09.216-07:00

And we cheer

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148015158989135732006-05-18T22:05:00.000-07:002006-05-18T22:09:04.183-07:00

Peter Scarlet gives one of his famous speeches.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148014870098794702006-05-18T22:01:00.000-07:002006-05-18T22:01:10.483-07:00

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148014838129853132006-05-18T22:00:00.000-07:002006-05-18T22:00:38.136-07:00

Layla, amazed!

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148014798949778522006-05-18T21:59:00.001-07:002006-05-18T21:59:58.956-07:00

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148014754223434222006-05-18T21:59:00.000-07:002006-05-18T21:59:14.230-07:00

Nour-Eddine, Sydney, Seifollah Samadian (the man who made the film about our program "Once Upon a Time in Marrakech") and me.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148014689581507932006-05-18T21:58:00.000-07:002006-05-18T21:58:09.586-07:00

Time for dinner

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148014649760898242006-05-18T21:57:00.000-07:002006-05-18T21:57:29.773-07:00

Fatima and Amina are about to interview Sydney for a reportage for Moroccan TV Station 2M.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148014523544605192006-05-18T21:55:00.000-07:002006-05-18T21:55:23.553-07:00

Diana Odasso, former MTFE program manager and now filmmaker coordinator for the festival, joins Simo and Layla inbetween introducing screenings.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148014473038483472006-05-18T21:54:00.000-07:002006-05-18T21:54:33.046-07:00

Usually more inclined to shake hands, these Americans (James Sweetbaum and Madelyn Wils) opt for the two kisses. It is the prevailing greeting method of the evening. I prefer it myself.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148013797482969442006-05-18T21:43:00.000-07:002006-05-18T21:43:17.490-07:00

Here it is again at the dinner!

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148013668713742362006-05-18T21:41:00.000-07:002006-05-18T21:41:08.726-07:00

Here is some of the group with the plate.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148013636234059852006-05-18T21:40:00.000-07:002006-05-18T21:40:36.256-07:00

This is the beautiful silver plate given to the Tribeca Film Festival by the Marrakech International Film Festival. It commemorates the Marrakech Tribeca Filmmaker Exchange and has both festival's logos. It was truly a surprised, as shown here. TFI is very grateful for this beautiful and symbolic present.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148013388147812852006-05-18T21:36:00.000-07:002006-05-18T21:36:28.153-07:00

Treasurer of the Marrakech International Film Festival Foundation Azzedine Benmoussa and wife Claude Peron with Co-Founder Jane Rosenthal.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148013147085775272006-05-18T21:32:00.000-07:002006-05-18T21:32:29.196-07:00

President and CEO of Tribeca Film Institute, Sydney Meeks with and Co-Founder of the Festival, Jane Rosenthal at the dinner before we sit down.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1148012804875917662006-05-18T21:26:00.000-07:002006-05-18T21:28:35.903-07:00

Opening dinner was at a great greek restaurant called Thalassa Restaurant on Franklin St. in Tribeca.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1147904678349970232006-05-17T15:24:00.001-07:002006-05-30T13:23:26.553-07:00

We also talked to our missing instructor, Ali Essafi, who we all miss very much on Phase II of the program.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1147904688857588922006-05-17T15:24:00.000-07:002006-05-18T22:22:38.486-07:00

At my sister and brother in law's house, where the students came to get a great view of Central Park, we found this: A Moroccan lamp with a Western lamp shade on top of it. We all proclaimed it the perfect symbol of the exchange.Kim and Ruomi dream about flying back to Morocco by their own means.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1147904605479008742006-05-17T15:23:00.000-07:002006-05-17T15:23:25.490-07:00

Finally, we stopped to eat. We got delicious burritos from Chipotle and had a snack.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1147903998925594532006-05-17T15:13:00.000-07:002006-05-17T15:13:18.926-07:00

We also peeked into the Museum of Fine Arts where they have a part of an Egyptian Temple. They were setting up for a concert.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1147903946422738972006-05-17T15:12:00.000-07:002006-05-17T15:12:26.423-07:00

And after seeing the Guggenheim, we went into the park. This is the reservoir for New York City.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1147903727216182312006-05-17T15:08:00.000-07:002006-05-17T15:08:47.223-07:00

Fast Forward: We took the subway up to the Upper East Side.

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1147903633938117562006-05-17T15:07:00.000-07:002006-05-17T15:07:13.946-07:00

This is the group crossing the street from Little Italy into NoLiTa (North of Little Italy)

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1147903562858279502006-05-17T15:06:00.000-07:002006-05-17T15:06:02.870-07:00

And on Canal Street in Chinatown

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18057616.post-1147903518749323952006-05-17T15:05:00.000-07:002006-05-17T15:05:18.756-07:00

Here's the group passing through SOHO (south of Houston)

Simonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498673194278970476noreply@blogger.com0