FIFM Pays Emotional Tribute to Late Moroccan Actress Naïma Elmcherqui

The Marrakech International Film Festival (FIFM) honored the late Moroccan cinema icon Naïma Elmcherqui with a moving posthumous tribute on Tuesday evening at the Palais des Congrès, attended by her family, notable figures from cinema, and members of the cultural and media communities.
Elmcherqui, who died in October, was celebrated for her extraordinary contributions to Moroccan cinema, her humanitarian work, and her enduring legacy as a cultural ambassador, according to Morocco’s News Agency (MAP).
Her daughter, Yasmine Khayat, accepted the Festival’s Étoile d’or from artist Fatima Khair and expressed her family’s gratitude to King Mohammed VI and Prince Moulay Rachid, President of the Festival’s Foundation, for recognizing her mother’s impact.
Khayat described her mother as a passionate advocate for cinema and a compassionate supporter of humanitarian causes, particularly those benefiting women and children. Testimonials during the ceremony from filmmaker Mohamed Abderrahman Tazi, actress Fatima Khair, and director Mohamed Mouftakir highlighted Elmcherqui’s remarkable generosity, humility, and unwavering dedication to her craft.
The tribute also featured a screening of L’Automne des Pommiers by Mohamed Mouftakir, a film that earned Elmcherqui the Best Actress award at the Malmö Arab Film Festival. The organizers described her as an influential figure whose passing has left a significant void in Morocco’s cultural scene.
Born in Casablanca, Naïma Elmcherqui was a trailblazer in theater and cinema. She collaborated with prominent Moroccan theater troupes like Maâmoura and Bassatine, starring in celebrated productions that solidified her reputation as an artistic pioneer. Her television career included lead roles in beloved series like A’ila Ram Dam, while her cinematic portfolio boasted nearly 20 films, including Noces de Sang, Lalla Houby, and Kilikis, la Cité des Hiboux.
Beyond her acting career, Elmcherqui demonstrated a deep commitment to education and social causes. From 2000 to 2004, she hosted the educational program Alif Lam on Al-Aoula, promoting literacy and cultural awareness. As a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, she advocated for the rights of women and children, further cementing her legacy as a cultural and humanitarian icon.
The Festival’s organizers called Elmcherqui a “tireless ambassador of Moroccan culture, a loyal friend to the Festival, and a distinguished member of its Foundation’s board.