Rabat– Renowned Moroccan actor Mohamed Khouyi was honored with the Best Actor award on Friday for his role in Marja Zarqa (Blue Lagoon), directed by Daoud Oulad Al-Sayed. The film competed in the “Horizons of Arab Cinema” category at the 45th Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF).
Accepting the award on behalf of Khouyi, Moroccan producer Abdessalam El Meftahi expressed his pride, describing the accolade as a significant recognition for “one of Morocco’s greatest actors.”
Marja Zarqa narrates the story of Youssef, a 12-year-old blind orphan living with his grandfather in a remote desert village. When his grandfather gifts him a camera, Youssef begins documenting his surroundings, leading to a transformative journey to the fabled blue lagoon in the desert. Alongside Khouyi, the film features a talented Moroccan cast, including Hasna Tamtaoui, Youssef Kadir, Azelarab Kaghat, and Abdelhak Saleh.
Moroccan cinema shone at this year’s CIFF, with a strong presence in multiple sections and programs. Khaoula Assebab Benomar’s Radia was featured in the “International Critics’ Week” competition, where Moroccan actress Nisrine Radi served as a jury member. Additionally, Hicham El Jabbari’s Ana Machi Ana was presented as part of the Special Screenings program.
The festival also hosted the 10th edition of the Cairo Film Forum, which included Hicham Al-Assri’s Al-Matroud Min Rahmat Allah (The Outcast of God’s Mercy).
The prestigious Golden Pyramid for Best Film was awarded to the Romanian feature This New Year That Never Came, directed by Bogdan Mureşanu.
This year’s edition of the Cairo International Film Festival, considered one of the most prominent in the Arab and African regions, showcased a remarkable lineup of 194 films from 72 countries, highlighting the richness and diversity of global cinema.
