Interview with Zahra Moufid, director, producer and actress
Zahra Moufid is a director, producer, actress and screenwriter. She is known for several films including “Pappy”, “Shelter Me”, “Inside Apollo House”, “The Count of Monte Cristo” and “11th Hour”. She studied acting and worked as an actress. She holds an MA in Media Studies and an Acting Diploma from the Gaiety School of Acting in Ireland. Zahara joined a theater agency and was offered a variety of roles. The year she got her second master’s degree in media studies, the Irish Times offered her a filming assignment in Libya, which involved an interview with the late Colonel Gaddafi. Zahra took on an interesting new role as an assistant to famed Irish filmmaker Jim Sheridan who was then working on the film ‘Do or Die’ (2005) in Toronto. Zahra shot behind the scenes of the making of this film. This, to his surprise, was picked up by MTV and Paramount Studios. After it was aired by MTV producers, Paramount offered her a contract to direct a behind-the-scenes documentary on the film and on Curtis James Jackson III, known professionally as 50 Cent. In 2014, she founded the first Dublin Arab Film Festival (DAFF) with Jim Sheridan as festival president.
ALM : Together with the famous filmmaker Jim Sheridan, you are in full preparation for the annual Dublin Arab Film Festival (DAFF). Can you give us a taste of the program for this edition?
Zahra Moufid : We are in the process of finalizing the final program. We are very happy that the 9th edition will be held in face-to-face format because the previous year the festival took place only online in accordance with the health restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.
The new edition will see the participation of several stars and distinguished guests. We are thinking of a 100% Moroccan Red Carpert where our dear country will be the guest of honour.
All editions of the festival were a success for us. Our goal through this festival is to convey a beautiful image of Moroccan culture in particular and Arab culture in general.
I note that the previous edition saw the screening of several films, two of which were Moroccan. These are “Chaïbia, the peasant of the arts” and “The Green March” by Youssef Britel.
How did the idea for this festival come about?
In Ireland, there were no festivals dedicated to Arab films. I said to myself why not create a festival that will allow Westerners to learn about our Arab culture. The first editions were a great success. Moreover, the first saw the participation of the late Omar Cherif and many other stars.
You are a director, producer and actress, what are your projects?
I am preparing a production called “Hiba”. Produced by Jim Sheridan, it is currently in post-production. In fact, it’s a film in homage to Moroccan women. It will be shot between Ireland and Morocco and more precisely in the city of Fez. I hope we can do it this year. I also prepare TV series. They will also be shot in the city of Dakhla in the coming months. And since I’m also a screenwriter, I’m writing a book.
How was your passion for cinema born?
My passion for the cinema was revealed from my childhood. I loved listening to stories told by my grandmother and my mother. When I was 20, I met people who shared my passion, like actor Mohamed Meftah and other directors. Afterwards, I went to Ireland and the United States and did several training courses, including theater and cinema lessons. I got my master’s degree and I made several documentaries and short films.
And when I met Jim, he became a mentor and my teacher. I started working with him in his production company. I am grateful to Jim because it was thanks to him that I was able to learn the craft of filmmaking.
What has the Irish experience brought you?
The Irish have a very rich writing culture. They encourage creativity. They are very nice and simple people. They provide a lot of support. I learned the meaning of creativity, writing, cinema, to express myself and do many things.
