Paris: The Moroccan Embassy in Paris recently hosted an exclusive advance screening of an episode from TV5 Monde’s acclaimed program “Destination Francophonie,” which is dedicated to exploring the rich cultural and linguistic landscape of Morocco. The 52-minute episode, presented by Ivan Kabacoff, takes viewers on a captivating journey from Tangier to the Moroccan Sahara, highlighting the efforts of local communities and individuals who contribute to keeping the French language vibrant in the region.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Ivan Kabacoff, the program’s presenter, emphasized the significance of showcasing Morocco as a prominent Francophone country. He noted that although French is not the official language in Morocco, it plays a crucial role in creativity, transmission, and expression. The episode deliberately avoids well-known cities like Marrakech and Casablanca, instead focusing on lesser-explored areas such as Tangier, Tetouan, Meknes, and Guercif, where unique cultural initiatives are thriving.
Kabacoff explained that the journey in this episode includes a visit to Guercif, where the “Bibliotobiss” project transforms a container into a mobile cultural center. In Benguerir, known as the “city of knowledge,” the program highlights educational institutions like the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University. The episode culminates in the Moroccan Sahara, exploring emerging cultural projects and literary history in Laayoune and Tarfaya.
Morocco’s ambassador to France, Samira Sitail, praised the program for showcasing the deep-rooted friendship between France and Morocco. She emphasized that the episode highlights Morocco’s diverse geography and the dynamic presence of Francophonie within the country. Sitail underscored the multilingual nature of Morocco, where multiple languages coexist harmoniously, enriching the nation’s identity.
Kim Younes, CEO of TV5 Monde, remarked on the strong audience presence that the channel enjoys in Morocco, particularly among digital platforms and younger viewers. She reiterated the importance of the “Destination Francophonie” program, noting its prime-time broadcast status and its role in strengthening TV5 Monde’s longstanding relationship with Morocco.
TV5 Monde plans to dedicate a special evening to Morocco, featuring the “Destination Francophonie” episode, which offers an immersive experience of Moroccan Francophonie. This will be followed by the documentary “Morocco, the Road of Music,” directed by Donat Lefebvre and J©r©mie Saint-Jean. The documentary promises a sensory journey through Morocco’s diverse musical traditions, including Amazigh, Sahrawi, Gnawa, and Arab-Andalusian sounds.