AfriPulse
Oscar winners Guillermo del Toro and Jodie Foster, as well as Moroccan screen icon Raouya and legendary Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmi, are set for tributes at the 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival.
The four will be feted for their career contribution to the arts and for being “artists who embody the vitality of cinema and its ability to bring people together, move them, and inspire them.”
Foster, whose screen career has spanned more than half a century, is a two-time Academy Award winner for best actress (The Accused and The Silence of the Lambs) and also has a further three nominations, most recently for her performance in the 2023 film Nyad.
Mexican auteur Del Toro is a three-time Oscar winner (best picture and best director for The Shape of Water and best animated feature for Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio). His film credits include Pan’s Labyrinth, Nightmare Alley, Pacific Rim and Crimson Peak. He is currently conducting a worldwide press tour for his warmly received big budget Netflix feature Frankenstein.
Raouya, the stage name of Fatima Hernadi, is a Moroccan national treasure. The actress has found great success and critical acclaim in film, TV and theater in her home country and has won numerous best actress prizes in Morocco. Among her film credits are Thirst, Les Lèvres du silence, Mona Saber, Rock the Casbah, and Cry No More. On television, she is known for the series Mindil Sfia, Saison sèche, and Jabarout.
Cairo-born Fahmi is a leading figure in Egyptian and Arab cinema, following a prolific career that spans more than 50 years. Fahmi has starred in over 100 films and his most well-known features include Hassan El Imam’s Watch Out for ZouZou (Khally ballak men ZouZou), Said Marzouk’s The Guilty (Al Mozneboon), and Youssef Chahine’s Alexandria: Again and Forever (Iskanderija, Kaman oue Kaman).
“What an honor to discover your beautiful city of Marrakech and to celebrate film at the same time,” Foster said in a statement. “I can’t wait to experience the historic sites, gardens, and markets, to walk alongside new friends, colleagues, and movie lovers. I feel blessed to have been chosen for this tribute and I look forward to introducing my new French film, Vie Privée (A Private Life) by director Rebecca Zlotowski. This will be a trip we’ll never forget.”
Del Toro said in a statement: “I am thrilled to be invited to return to the wonderful Marrakech International Film Festival. Since my previous visit, both the festival and the city have always been so welcoming to me. I’m especially honored to receive a tribute, and to show the audience my most personal work, Frankenstein. I look forward to seeing you all there.”
“What an immense honor it is to receive this invitation to the Marrakech International Film Festival. What joy and emotion to be celebrated in my own country, in the ochre city, at one of its largest film events,” said Raouya. “Above all, my connection to the festival is a story of friendship and loyalty. Every encounter with Marrakech and its audience remains a precious moment for me—I have so many memories of exciting films and exchanges. My heartfelt thanks to the organizers. I can’t wait to see my friends and Marrakech audiences again.”
And finally, Fahmi said: “It is a great pleasure to be honored at the prestigious Marrakech International Film Festival on its 2025 edition. Being one of those who attended the festival’s first edition, it gives me a great energy and enthusiasm to get together again with colleagues and friends from across the globe. The city of Marrakech has a special place in my heart as one of my earliest films, Damy wa dmoy wa ebtsamty (My Blood, My Tears, My Smile) was shot there. Coming back to this joyful city to be honored is a very precious moment. Thank you!”
The Marrakech International Film Festival runs from Nov. 28 through to Dec. 6.
Source: HollywoodReporter | Read the Full Story…
