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Asmae El Moudir Makes History as the First Moroccan to Win FIFM’s Coveted Etoile d’Or

Asmae El Moudir Makes History as the First Moroccan to Win FIFM’s Coveted Etoile d’Or
Monday 04 December 2023 - 08:17 Journalists: Dakir Madiha
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In an interview with Moroccan director Asmae El Moudir expressed her profound joy at being the first Moroccan to receive The Etoile d'Or, the main prize at the Marrakech International Film Festival (FIFM).

El Moudir, of Moroccan descent, attended the ISCA film school in Rabat to study cinematography before pursuing a master's degree at ISIC, a higher institute of information and communication.

Supporting Arab and African filmmakers, she joined the FIFM Atlas Workshops, a talent initiative established by the festival's foundation, after her work in television and the production of short features.

"After twenty years of effort, I was awarded Morocco's first Golden Star. This achievement doesn't just belong to me; it signifies that we are in Morocco, and I invite you to join me in Rabat. I express profound gratitude to the jury for understanding my sentiments," exclaimed El Moudir.

Touching upon a delicate aspect of Morocco's past and paying homage to many departed individuals, her documentary gained international acclaim from critics.

El Moudir elaborated, "We must work even more diligently to earn more golden stars. I am extremely appreciative of King Mohammed VI for organizing the festival and the Atlas Workshops, where I initially presented my film."

Concerning how an international audience perceives her highly political and historical Moroccan story, the director noted that screening her film in Morocco feels distinct, with festival organizers and directors inquiring about Moroccans' opinions wherever she travels.

"I dedicate this to every martyr of 1981, every participant in the bread riots," said the Etoile d'Or winner.

Having won the L'oeil d'Or and received numerous other prestigious awards at international film festivals, El Moudir's documentary, "Mother of all Lies," had never been shown in Morocco until this week.

The narrative, which spans over a decade and reverses years of progress, is now the first Moroccan film to earn the FIFM's Etoile d'Or.

This historic triumph signifies a momentous achievement for enthusiasts of Moroccan cinema, students, and aspiring professionals who aspire to be in the same position as Asmae.


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