Introduction:
SEMAT is the first Egyptian organization for independent films that
instituted by a group of young filmmakers to make documentaries and
short narratives. It is run in accordance with the Egyptian law and
is registered by the Egyptian taxation authorities.
The main objective of SEMAT's project is to create a free artistic trend,
which is parallel to but independent from the existing cinema institution.
The new trend is to use different forms and patterns of art and production
techniques from those adopted by the cinema institution. The purpose
of this trend is to open new channels for free artistic expression;
encourage youths to join this field; and stress the role of cinema as
a tool for culture and increasing awareness. Project activities will
be implemented in collaboration with the independent groups of filmmakers.
Background:
When the project first began, independent film makers were suffering
from the prevailing cinema situation. Films were produced only for profit
making and were superficial and typical. They depended on the Hollywood
example in its worst form. They were far from creativity, freedom of
expression, and quality of ideas. We envisioned building an entity contributing
to the creation of new opportunities.
Thus, the direct objective was to make films at phases starting with
producing short and medium (feature and documentary) films down to long
feature films at subsequent phases. But this does not mean that priority
was given to making long films over short films. Both types of films
are complementary to each other.
We were keen that the films produced in the project should be unique
and different from the prevailing films under the restriction of the
existing institutions. For example, the films produced should be far
from typical in their themes or characters.
Provide an opportunity for creative innovation of artistic forms.
Express the neglected community groups.
• By making such films. SEMAT ultimately seeks to maximize the role of cinema as a tool for culture and increasing awareness and education not merely for entertainment.
• This goal cannot be achieved without cooperation and exchange of expertise and experiments with other similar groups. It was also necessary to give the youth an opportunity to chance their arms in this field and present their experiments. In addition, other related activities had to be carried out. These included issuing bulletins; holding symposiums; organizing shows, and the like. All this pours in the end in a parallel cinema trend that can, if provided with appropriate conditions and support, achieve the desired goal.
• In fact, the cinema situation did not change in the last two years, if not becoming worse.
• A surprise, it is the situation of the independent cinema that has changed. This gave us the impression that we were on the right track. The presence of institutions supporting independent work encourages those involved in that work to take artistic ventures even if not directly through these institutions.
• Independent cinema can be traced back to early in the 1990s. The first experiments at that time, which continued only ten years, were launched in Cairo. A number of young artists, not exceeding five persons, made 2 to 5 films each.
• The first film produced in the SEMAT project caused a hectic controversy amongst filmmakers about the feasibility of the experiment; the credibility of the project; and its real ability for production.
OBJECTIVES
Increase support for the production of films made by independent filmmakers
and create diversity of films.
Create a new channels for films showings and distribution.
Continue to attract the movie cadres who work independently by executing
or contributing to achieving their projects.
Continue to shed light on the concept of independent cinema and the important
role that it can play in enriching the cinema art in the entire world.
This can be achieved by broadening the information database and networking
with similar entities.
Activate create and educational workshops.
The
Organizations that cooperated with Semat
International:
•
CASE
(Cultural Association Sweden Egypt - Sweden)
•
Culture
Resource (Belgium)
•
IMS
(International Media Support in Denmark)
Regional:
•
Al
Arabia (TV Channel)
•
Al
Shasha (TV Channel)
•
Amman
Festival (Jordan)
•
Arab
Education Forum
•
Arab
Theater Youth Fund
•
Beirut
D.C (Lebanon)
•
CID
(Community & Institutional Development)
•
Emirates
Festival (Emirates Film Competition – Emirates)
Egypt:
•
AUC
(American University in Cairo)
•
DSC
(Development & Support Center for Consultancy and Training)
•
Egyptians
Documentaries Association (NGO)
•
Egyptians
Critics Association (NGO)
•
Townhouse
Gallery
•
Jesuite
Cultural Centre (Alexandria)
•
Jesuite
Cultural Centre (Menia)
•
National
Council for Population
•
National
Council for Women
•
New Women Organization (NGO)
•
El Sakia (Abd
El Moneim El Sawy)
•
Tambura (Musical & Dancing Group)
•
Tout Group (Theatrical Group)
•
Al Warsha (Theatrical Group)