Sean Penn, David Cronenberg, Late Great Moroccan Star Naïma Elmcherqui, Set For Marrakech Film Festival Career Honors

As a film enthusiast with a deep appreciation for the rich tapestry of world cinema, I am thrilled to learn about the upcoming tributes at the Marrakech International Film Festival honoring the late Naïma Elmcherqui, Sean Penn, and David Cronenberg.


The Marrakech International Film Festival plans to honor Sean Penn, David Cronenberg, and the late, talented Moroccan actress Naïma Elmcherqui with special tributes recognizing their careers.

Elmcherqui, a cherished figure in Moroccan society, passed away on October 5th in Casablanca. Her fame grew during the 1960s and 70s through her collaborations with Moroccan theatre director and playwright Tayeb Seddiki. She gained prominence not only on stage but also on the big screen in films such as “Blood Wedding” (1977) by Souheil Ben Barka, Morocco’s first entry for the international Oscar; “Badis” (1989), a female empowerment drama directed by Mohamed Abderrahman Tazi; and more recently, her last role in “The Fall of Apple Trees,” directed by Mohamed Mouftakir, which earned her the best actress award at Sweden’s Malmö Arab Film Festival.

Elmcherqui, a board member at the organization supervising the Marrakech festival, was additionally known for starring in numerous soap operas and Moroccan television films, significantly increasing her fame.

Elmcherqui was truly a grand lady, and her absence is felt deeply within Morocco’s cultural sphere,” stated the Marrakech Festival. “In paying this tribute posthumously, we acknowledge the legacy of an extraordinary artist and dedicated woman who has left behind an impressive collection of work,” they continued.

Penn, who has won two Oscars for “Milk” and “Mystic River,” has recently collaborated as a co-director on the documentary titled “Superpower” about Ukraine. In the near future, he will be featured in an anthology film entitled “War Through the Eyes of Animals,” where animals are the primary characters, portraying their struggles during the devastating Russia-Ukraine conflict.

At the Marrakech International Film Festival, Penn made his debut appearance, marking a first for him, and this visit also happens to be his initial trip to Morocco, according to the organizers’ announcement.

For the first time in his illustrious career, renowned filmmaker David Cronenberg, known for his provocative works like “Videodrome,” “Dead Ringers,” “A History of Violence,” “eXistenZ,” “Cosmopolis,” and “Maps to the Stars” (to name but a few), showcased “The Shrouds” at Cannes. This film tells the story of a widower who creates technology to peer into his deceased wife’s grave.

For many years, I’ve been told how fantastic the Marrakech International Film Festival is, and finally, everything has come together, allowing me to be here – not just to attend the festival, but to receive this distinguished and charming award for my five decades of work. What a pleasure and what an honor!,” Cronenberg expressed.

The 21st edition of the fest is set to run Nov. 29 to Dec. 7 in the ancient Moroccan city.

Read More

2024-10-30 11:16