The international film festival is underway in Marrakech. King Mohammed VI is sponsoring this year’s festival. Taking center stage at the Morocco festival is Moroccan director Mustapha Derkaoui and American actor Leondardo Di Caprio. Both individuals received distinct honors before a standing ovation crowd at the convention center. Festival directors bestowed awards upon directors Michelangelo Antonioni, Igmar Bergman and produce Ahmed Baha Attia.
Featured Moroccan director Mustapha Derkaoui made a name for himself in the cinematic circles over the years. His collection of works includes five full-length feature films beginning with De quelques evenements sans signification in 1974. This film debut followed with Les beaux jours de Scheherazade in 1980, Titre proviso ire in 1984 and Les Sept portes de la nuit in 1994. His career in film production briefly ended with the release of La grande Allegorie in 1995.
After this time, Derkaoui desired to produce films that would make a difference in the world. He sought to produce pictures that highlighted frustration, prohibition and social schizophrenia. This produced Les Amours de Haj Mokhtar Soldi in 2000, Casablanca by night in 2003 and Casablanca Daylight in 2004. With ailing health issues, these last three productions could signal the end of a brilliant career for Derkaoui.
The other international film festival honoree, Leonardo Di Caprio, did not hide his excitement to be a part of the event. During a portion of his acceptance speech, Di Caprio noted his love for the cultural and traditional heritages of Morocco. Currently, the American actor is working on a Ridley Scott film right here in Morocco. Films such as the notable James Cameron’s Titanic in 1997 and Martin Scorses’s Aviator in 2005 attribute to Di Caprio’s rise to fame.
In addition to these recognitions, the Morocco international film festival will pay homage to 14 films spanning several different countries. These films will compete against one another until December 15th when the coveted Golden Star will go home with one film.
The focus is on Eastern Europe. There will be five films highlighting this. The Trap from Serbia; Autumn Ball from Estonia; Grand Hotel from Czech Republic; Man’s Job from Finland and The Hard-Hearted from Russia. Representing Morocco in this competition is the film Les Jardins de Samira by the noted Latif Lahlou. These five films are competing for awards in the category of the jury prize, best actress and best actor, in addition to the Golden Star for best overall film.
…more on Morocco Marrakech Film Festival
by Sam Mitchell
