Sean Penn, Canadian writer-director David Cronenberg and late Moroccan star Naima Elmcheki will be honored at the 21st Marrakesh International Film Festival in Morocco.
In announcing the news on Wednesday, festival organizers described them as “three great artists whose contributions and influence have had a significant impact on the film industry for decades.”
To pay his respects, Payne will make his first appearance at the Marrakesh Festival and visit Morocco for the first time, organizers said.
“Through his first role, Sean Penn rose to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s alongside such well-known names as Brian De Palma, Oliver Stone, David Fincher, Terrence Malick and Woody The filmmaker has established himself as one of the most gifted actors of his generation. “Penn is not only one of the greatest actors in contemporary cinema, he is also a renowned director whose critically acclaimed films explore. Themes of justice, communion with nature, and the conflicts that ravage the world. ”
Naima Elmcheki
Marrakech International Film Festival/Courtesy of Yassine Toumi
Elmcherqui, who died on October 5, was considered a national treasure and one of Morocco’s most beloved figures. “Since the 1960s, she has lit up the national cultural scene with her extraordinary talent, natural grace and legendary kindness,” the celebration read. “Her career has taken her from stage performances to appearances on the big and small screens, allowing her to play a variety of roles, and her endearing sexuality has touched the hearts of generations of Moroccans.”
Organizers in Marrakech vowed to commemorate “an outstanding artist and a pious woman who left an extremely rich body of work”.
Cronenberg and his films have long been admired. “Cronenberg’s 23 feature-length films have made him one of the most recognized artists of our time, and he has won numerous awards, including those at the Cannes Film Festival and the Venice International Film Festival,” the festival emphasized.
The Marrakech Music Festival takes place from November 29th to December. 7.
David Cronenberg, courtesy of Caitlin Cronenberg
