The opening ceremony of the 23th Annual International Festival of Mediterranean Cinema in Tetouan (FICMT) was marked, on Saturday, March 25, by a celebration of one of the leading figures of the Moroccan song, the great composer and singer Abdelwahab Doukkali.

The iconic singer expressed admiration for Tetouane and its people, as well as for cinema, which he called a platform for the promotion of peace and tolerance.

Doukkali has been a film actor even before Moroccan cinema saw the light of day. He participated in several Egyptian films, such as “Cairo at Night” and “Golden Sands”, in the early 1960s.

“I feel overwhelmed by the pride of being chosen to be part in the first films of Moroccan cinema which is currently a great success at the international level, “said Abdelwahab Doukkali at his acceptance ceremony.

Among the national films performed by this great Moroccan artist is “Al hayatou kifah” (Life is a Struggle) co-directed in 1968 by Ahmed Messnaoui and Mohamed Tazi, “The Green Light” by Abdellah Mesbahi, and “The Beautiful days of Sheherazade”, by Mostapha Derkaoui.

Aside from being a renowned actor, Doukkali’s he is also known for his music, for which he has received several awards, including the Grand Prix of the Festival de la Chanson in Cairo.

The official opening ceremony also paid tribute to the Moroccan actress Saadia Labid and the Egyptian actor Khalid Sawi for their role in promoting Mediterranean cinema.

The festival was distinguished by the screening of nearly a hundred films outside and in competition, including some representing the cinema of China, this year’s guest of honor.

The event’s program includes a series of other activities aimed at contributing to the dynamism of Tetouan and promoting its image among the guests of this edition.

Source :Morocco World News