Yesterday, the 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival kicked off in Morocco, running until December 6th. Over 80 films from 31 countries are participating. The opening ceremony introduced the jury, chaired this year by South Korean director and screenwriter Bong Joon-ho. The participating films were also screened. The festival honored Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmi, who received a long round of applause from the audience at the conference center after being introduced on stage by his colleague, actress Yusra. Fahmi expressed his happiness at the honor, saying: "It is a great honor for me, and I am happy to be in the city of Marrakech, this enchanting city where I filmed one of my earliest films... the film 'My Blood, My Tears, and My Smile' with the beautiful actress Naglaa Fathi." The great Egyptian actor added about Moroccan cinema: "It has always had its own brilliance and charm. I have seen many Moroccan films from my many filmmaker friends who are present today... It is a great honor for me to be among those honored tonight." The festival also honors American actress and director Jodie Foster, Mexican director and screenwriter Guillermo del Toro, and Moroccan actress Rania. In the "Special Screenings" section, the festival audience is eagerly awaiting the world premiere of the Egyptian film "Al-Sitt" (The Lady), based on the life of the artist Umm Kulthum, directed by Marwan Hamed and starring Mouna Zaki.
