Interview with Palestinian journalist, producer and film director – Maher Hachache

Maher Hachache is a well-known and appreciated presence, both, in the side of television in the Arab world and in that of film, being present at film festivals in Morocco, Egypt, Palestine as the president of the jury. Also being a film director in Palestine, the country of his origin and director of the Documentary Film Festival of the Human Rights Organization. Mr. Maher Hachache also has an impressive career in television journalism, being a contributor to several television stations in the Middle East, among which the best known of them, AL-JAZEERA.
M.D: What inspired you to become a film producer and journalist?

Maher Hachache: My love for art, journalism, and film directing.
I worked in trade and artistic and theatrical production, and produced many musical and theatrical concerts for famous stars from Egypt and Lebanon. After that, I went to study screenwriting and directing in Egypt and obtained a diploma in directing from the Higher Institute of Cinema and the Academy of Arts in Egypt in 2012 with a very good degree. I worked in production and directing in a number of… Documentary films and music clips, and through my work in art and my communication with some television channels, I began doing some reports for them, and from here I also began my work as a journalist.
M.D: We know that you are a member of the jury of the Moroccan film festival. Do you want to tell us something about this important aspect of your career?
Maher Hachache: It is a wonderful experience
I gave some lectures on the film industry and short films in Marrakesh and Meknes, and through these meetings I was nominated for membership in film jury committees in a number of Moroccan festivals
M.D: How did you come to be the president of the International Festival for Documentaries on Human Rights and what is the mission of this festival?
Maher Hachache: First, I chaired the jury for the seventh session of this festival, and in the eighth session I was assigned to chair the festival by its administration, and now the festival will hold its 11th session in Rabat between October 26 and 30, 2023.
This festival aims to defend human rights through cinematic films, given that cinema is one of the most important means of conveying and disseminating culture and defending human rights.

M.D How do you think documentaries can influence social and political change in the world?
Maher Hachache: When we convey the facts to people and explain their treatment, then change occurs.
What is the biggest challenge you faced while directing a documentary and how did you overcome it?
That is, when you do not find a producer who is satisfied with the idea or you cannot reach the place where you want to film.
M.D How was your experience as a journalist at Al Jazeera and how did that experience influence your work as a director?
Maher Hachache: I worked with more than one channel as a freelance correspondent, most of them with Al Jazeera Live, and all of these experiences were necessary for Palestinian work, and of course I fell short in directing work
M.D: What criteria do you consider when judging films as a member of the jury of film festivals in Morocco?
Maher Hachache: Several criteria, including idea, scenario, direction, image and sound
How do you think the documentary film industry should evolve in the future?
It must be supported by producers and official bodies and disseminated through cinemas.
M.D: How have you adapted to life in Denmark and how does this influence you?
Maher Hachache: I came young, grew up here and became a member of the community
10- What led you to get involved in the promotion of human rights through documentary films?
To advocate for all oppressed people in the world.
M.D: How has the documentary film industry evolved in Palestine and how did you get involved in this evolution?

Maher Hachache: Like other industries, it develops with equipment and develops with ideas
The Palestinian film before the occupation was directed at the reality that Palestine was like before the occupation, but it developed into resistance cinema after the occupation.
M.D: How do you think the international community should be involved in promoting and supporting human rights documentaries?
Maher Hachache: It is the responsibility of the international community to provide material and moral support and open all fields to creative filmmakers.
M.D: The last and most difficult question… How do you see the relationship between Israel and Palestine at this time?
Maher Hachache: It is difficult and easy
Staying away from violence and giving people their rights by returning them to their land.