The Marrakech International Film Festival is currently underway in Morocco's most popular city, featuring 70 films from 32 countries for movie enthusiasts to enjoy. Daoud Aoulad-Syad, known for films like Adieu forain (1998) and Waiting for Pasolini (2007), returned to his home country with The Blue Lake, shot in the Moroccan desert. The film follows Youssef, a 12-year-old blind orphan who receives a camera, igniting his passion to capture the world around him. His quest leads him to find and photograph a blue lake in the desert.
Aoulad-Syad revealed the inspiration behind the film, recalling a special encounter in the Moroccan desert: "I met blind Swiss individuals on a trek to Lake Iriqui. Among them was a photographer, which sparked the idea for the film. We then wrote the script." The director also discussed the casting process, noting the ease with experienced theatre actors but emphasizing the challenge of finding the right child actor to play the blind protagonist. Despite the difficulties, he believes the result is successful.
The 21st edition's artistic director, Rémi Bonhomme, paid tribute to the late Moroccan actress Naïma Elmcherqui, who passed away on 5 October 2024 at 81. Her daughter, journalist Yasmine Khayat, accepted the award, expressing gratitude for the film community's support and highlighting her mother's commitment to theatre, cinema, and Moroccan arts. Elmcherqui's social engagement, including her role as a UNICEF ambassador, will also be celebrated.
The Marrakech International Film Festival continues until 7 December 2024.
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