| Editor | Jean Gourmelin, Abdellah Laraoui, Paul Pascon |
|---|---|
| Categories | Politics and culture |
| Frequency | monthly |
| Company | Private |
| Country | Morocco |
| Language | French |
| Website | [1] |
Published in Morocco in 1966, Lamalif took its title from two Arabic letters that form the word "la", meaning "no". This sly wordplay encapsulated the magazine's objective. Launched after the defeat of the Moroccan opposition (Union Socialiste des Forces Populaires) by the monarchy, Lamalif was a form of challenge. "The goal in this tragic situation was not to lose hope, to build an alternative," explained the founders, Zakya Daoud and Mohamed Loghlam.
Throughout its 22 years existence, Lamalif was characterised by its intellectual rigour and radical political stance. Covering social, cultural and economical issues, all from a political perspective it established itself as "a space for reflection and a force of significant challenge." Its ideological debates amongst journalists, economists, academics, and politicians became intellectual references and proved seminal in the development of many of Morocco's best thinkers and writers. Its focus on arts and culture was equally influential. Is covers frequently featured work by artists and its writings on film contributed to the rise of Moroccan cinema in the 1970s.
Lamalif was however never exclusionary and it soon established a wide and diverse readership. Ironically it was this success that led to the publications ultimate demise. Its popularity and outspoken stance soon attracted the ire of the authorities and it didn't take long before Daoud was "regarded as Public Enemy." After years of threats, censorship and seizures, Lamalif was finally forced to shut down in 1988.