Mohammed Al-Mekhlafi
A writer and journalist from Yemen
Yemeni screenwriter and novelist Hamid Oqabi has demonstrated a deep passion for the arts and collective culture since his time at the College of Fine Arts at the University of Baghdad. He was a member of the “People of the Cave” theater group, which produced eight plays between 1994 and 1997.
Oqabi’s ambitions, however, extended beyond Iraq. In 2001, he moved to France to pursue graduate studies in cinematic and theatrical directing at the University of Caen Normandy. During that period, he participated in several workshops and specialized courses, enabling him to produce nine short films and write numerous theatrical and critical works. He also collaborated with the Cinzic film association, directing “Static Life” in 2006 and “The Astonished Gate” in 2007. This cultural exchange enriched his artistic experience and helped shape his distinctive style.
Establishment of the Arab-European Forum for Cinema and Theater
At the end of 2018, Oqabi founded the Arab-European Forum for Cinema and Theater in collaboration with a group of prominent figures from the fields of theater and cinema across several Arab and European countries. This group, consisting of 80 individuals, communicated through WhatsApp and was officially recognized by the Calvados region in Normandy. The forum aims to support artistic works that promote human rights and freedom of expression, while fostering cultural and civilizational dialogue between the Arab world and Europe. Despite the departure of many members, Oqabi persevered with a core group of just 20 people. In the forum’s first two years, he held meetings with both Arab and French participants in a Parisian café, establishing a salon for discussions on various topics and introducing notable personalities. During this time, they produced two short films: “The Stranger” and “Facing Death,” both showcased on the forum’s YouTube channel.
Response to the Pandemic and Expansion of Activities
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the forum began utilizing virtual technology to conduct weekly seminars. This adaptation not only addressed the situation but also provided an opportunity to reach a broader audience. To date, the forum has organized approximately 600 seminars attended by nearly a thousand creators, intellectuals, and students from diverse fields such as cinema, theater, and visual arts, underscoring its significant impact on the cultural landscape. The forum’s YouTube channel features over 960 videos, including recordings of seminars, meetings, conferences, and cultural evenings. Its distinguishing feature is the diversity of its activities and its commitment to inclusivity, welcoming all without private interests.
Challenges and Financial Support
Since its establishment seven years ago, the forum has not received any financial support from either Arab or foreign entities. Hamid Oqabi, in his capacity as president of the forum, covers the monthly costs of the Zoom platform, along with transportation and accommodation expenses for live events in Paris. Although several requests for support have been submitted, they have only received a response after winning one initiative to assist a Yemeni theater group. The forum organizes four to six events each month, with the number potentially rising to twenty during specific seasons. Preparing each seminar requires about fifty hours of work, carried out by the organizer and critics. Oqabi emphasizes the importance of serious critique and learns from the mistakes they have made, reflecting a spirit of continuous development.
Future Vision
The Arab-European Forum for Cinema and Theater serves as a model of artistic creativity and openness to new experiences. Despite facing challenges, Oqabi remains enthusiastic, believing that love and creativity are essential. He aims to enhance the role of cultural and artistic volunteer associations in the Arab world, hoping to overcome the issues faced by official bodies and deepen the acceptance of diverse opinions. The forum also hosts meetings on storytelling, poetry, and the arts, collaborating with various Arab cultural platforms and institutions, even though most remain nationally focused. The cultural space is open and requires contributions from everyone. The forum aspires for Arab cultural and artistic volunteer associations to recover from the challenges faced by official entities, such as cliques and nepotism.
Over the past years, the forum has organized more than fifty seminars focusing on Yemen, showcasing a variety of cultural events. These included dedicated seminars for Yemeni novelists and poets, as well as hosting prominent writers and intellectuals, reflecting the forum’s commitment to promoting culture and art while fostering dialogue.
The forum has supported many emerging artists by providing opportunities to showcase their work and connect with broader audiences. These success stories highlight the forum’s impact on the journeys of numerous creators who found a platform to realize their dreams and share their creativity with the world.
With every challenge he encounters, Hamid Oqabi remains steadfast in his vision and goals. He believes that art and culture can play a pivotal role in social change and the promotion of human rights. He looks forward to expanding the forum’s activities and exploring new avenues for collaboration with other cultural organizations, both in the Arab world and in Europe.
Towards Genuine Creativity
Hamid Oqabi emphasizes that the success of this cultural initiative would not have been possible without the collaboration and support of critics who dedicate their time to reviewing creative works before the seminars and publishing their critical papers on the discussed novels and poetry collections without any compensation.
Oqabi noted a disconnect in the cultural scene, where some believe that being part of a European forum allows them to receive invitations and financial support, while others prefer to receive certificates of appreciation without valuing objective criticism. Some participants engage and then withdraw, while others remain committed or join and appreciate what is offered.
With the proliferation of cultural platforms, some grant doctoral certificates or appoint ambassadors, which excites many intellectuals. However, the forum reaffirms its policy of rejecting awards and certifications, focusing on collaborating with critics and creators to achieve true creative accomplishments. The greatest challenge is to persist and prevent stagnation, which the forum is diligently working to avoid.
Hamid Oqabi welcomes all participants in the forum, as this cultural platform serves as an open window to the diversity of cultures and various forms of creativity, transcending any specific language. It represents a stage that unites acting, cinema, storytelling, and literature.
From viewing some seminars featured on the forum’s YouTube channel, I observed that many invited critics affirm that this forum represents a vibrant space where critics and creators from diverse cultural backgrounds come together. Participants hail from Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq, Sudan, as well as Sweden, Germany, the Gulf countries, and beyond. This diversity embodies the spirit of collaboration and cultural exchange that the forum seeks to foster, enriching the cultural scene and enhancing the interaction of ideas and creativity.
Hamid Oqabi’s journey exemplifies how individual passion can evolve into collective impact. Through the Arab-European Forum for Cinema and Theater, Oqabi continues to make meaningful contributions to the cultural landscape, highlighting the importance of the arts in fostering dialogue and understanding among peoples.
