FIFM 2025: Moroccan icon Raouya honored with golden star

Wednesday 03 December 2025 - 12:40

By: Sahili Aya

FIFM 2025: Moroccan icon Raouya honored with golden star

The Marrakech International Film Festival (FIFM) paid a heartfelt tribute on Tuesday evening to Moroccan actress Fatima Harandi, professionally known as Raouya. The ceremony gathered prominent figures from the arts and media, both from Morocco and abroad.

Raouya received the Golden Star award from director Nour-Eddine Lakhmari, prompting a standing ovation from the audience. She was celebrated as “the voice, presence, and memory of Moroccan cinema.”

In her acceptance speech, Raouya expressed deep gratitude to HM King Mohammed VI for his support of the arts, as well as to Prince Moulay Rachid, president of the FIFM Foundation. She described the recognition as a source of pride, honoring her contributions to the national cinematic landscape.

Director Nour-Eddine Lakhmari praised Raouya as “a sincere friend,” “a courageous woman,” and “a symbol of the Moroccan cinema we cherish and admire.” The ceremony included clips from some of her most celebrated films, highlighting her remarkable performances that have earned her both national and international acclaim.

Raouya’s illustrious career spans theater, cinema, and television. She began on stage and later debuted in film with Mohamed Abazi’s Les Trésors de l’Atlas. She has worked with leading Moroccan directors such as Saâd Chraïbi, Jillali Ferhati, Nour-Eddine Lakhmari, Narjiss Nejjar, Laïla Marrakchi, and Abdelhaï Laraki, appearing in notable films like Soif, Shefah Al Samt, and Les Yeux Secs.

Internationally, Raouya has featured in productions including Claude Lelouch’s Et maintenant… Mesdames et Messieurs, Djinns by Hugh and Sandra Martin, and Xavier Beauvois’ Des Hommes et des Dieux. Her accolades include Best Actress awards for Un mile dans mes chaussures at the Tangier and Carthage festivals in 2016 and recognition at the Alexandria Film Festival in 2018.

On television, Raouya has starred in popular Moroccan series such as Mandil Safya, Moussem Jaf, and Jabarout, further cementing her place in the cultural landscape.