At the tenth edition of the Arab-European television co-production "Between the Shores," organized by the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) and the Permanent Conference of Mediterranean Audiovisual Operators (COPEAM), two documentaries shone brightly: "The Mask of Life" from Tunisia and "Dancing Freely" from Spain.
Under the theme "The Power of Art: Creativity for Change," the jury selected these works for their outstanding audiovisual quality, deep connection to the competition’s focus, and the compelling central characters who carried inspiring messages.
"The Mask of Life": A Journey from Despair to Creativity
In the vibrant streets of Tunisia, "The Mask of Life," directed by Fadia Ben Henda and produced by Tunisian Television, tells the story of Abdel Salam, a 19-year-old who triumphed over harrowing circumstances.
After losing his mother, Abdel Salam endured a tough childhood, forced to work in markets at the age of 14. Despite these hardships, he continued his education, though he briefly slipped into the dark world of delinquency.
The turning point came when a friend invited him to join a cultural club.
There, he met artist Raouf Ben Yaghlane, who introduced him to the world of theater.
Abdel Salam found in theater a sanctuary for self-expression and a weapon to break free from drugs.
"Theater changed me," he says. Not content with transforming his own life, he shared his story with his peers, becoming a source of inspiration.
His experience was adapted into a play performed by the club, underscoring art’s power to reshape destinies.
With its powerful narrative and authentic central character, this documentary rightfully earned the award for the best Arab documentary.
"Dancing Freely": Defying Barriers Through Art
On the European shore, "Dancing Freely," directed by Clara Blazquez and produced by Spanish Television, chronicles the story of Esmeralda Valdierrama, a woman dedicated to challenging rigid norms in the world of dance.
In Seville, Esmeralda founded an academy to empower people with disabilities through the arts, believing that diverse bodies bring unique energies to the stage.
Among her students stands out Heliot, a 36-year-old dancer with Down syndrome.
Heliot began dancing at nine, traveling an hour daily from his village to the academy. Today, he is a professional dancer, captivating audiences with his ability to convey emotions through contemporary dance.
His bond with Esmeralda, akin to that of a mother and son, has led them to perform globally, earning numerous awards. The film celebrates art’s ability to foster inclusion and challenge stereotypes, making it a deserving winner of the best European documentary.
Special Mention: "Adagio" and the Message of Women
Alongside the winning films, the jury awarded a special mention in the women’s category to "Adagio," directed by Ali Al-Kanani and produced by Iraqi Television.
The documentary tells the story of a courageous and independent woman whose work inspires others and promotes a more equitable society. This recognition reflects "Between the Shores"’ commitment to highlighting women’s issues and their role in driving change.
The "Between the Shores" Event: A Cultural Bridge Between Shores
The "Between the Shores" event, organized by ASBU and COPEAM, serves as a unique platform for fostering media and cultural collaboration between the Arab world and Europe.
Since its inception, the initiative has aimed to produce documentaries that blend artistic creativity with human messages, focusing on pressing issues such as social inclusion, women’s empowerment, and transformation through art. In its tenth edition, 13 television institutions (7 Arab and 6 European) presented works that explored creativity as a tool for change.
The choice of the theme "The Power of Art" reflects the organizers’ vision of highlighting culture’s role in building more cohesive societies.
Through this collaboration, "Between the Shores" has become a symbol of dialogue between the two shores, affirming that art is not a luxury but a force capable of transforming individuals and communities.
