Nabil Ayouch receives the “Golden Pyramid” at the Cairo International Film Festival.
Moroccan Director Nabil Ayouch Honored with Golden Pyramid at Cairo International Film Festival
Moroccan director and producer Nabil Ayouch has been awarded the coveted "Golden Pyramid" for his lifetime achievement at the opening ceremony of the 47th edition of the Cairo International Film Festival. This recognition celebrates his significant contributions to both Moroccan and international cinema, as well as his commitment to nurturing young talent.
Moroccan cinema is in the spotlight in Egypt. On Wednesday, Nabil Ayouch received the "Golden Pyramid" award for his career achievements during the opening ceremony of the 47th Cairo International Film Festival.
This honor acknowledges a career characterized by substantial contributions to the visibility of Moroccan cinema on Arab and international stages. It also highlights the filmmaker’s dedication to fostering new talents and advancing the film industry in the Southern Mediterranean region.
Through this award, the festival recognizes a body of work distinguished by thematic diversity, artistic boldness, and a continuous interest in crucial social and human questions.
Nabil Ayouch: "A Recognition of Mid-Career"
In a statement to the MAP, Nabil Ayouch described this award as “a great honor," emphasizing the special place that the Cairo International Film Festival holds in his professional journey. He referred to this accolade as a “mid-career recognition,” expressing his desire to continue his cinematic work through films that can open new perspectives for reflection and spark debates.
Ayouch also expressed joy that this recognition underscores the artistic ties he has maintained with the festival for many years, including a notable participation in its 21st edition with his film "Mektoub." This film won the Naguib Mahfouz Prize for Best First or Second Work, along with the award for Best Arab Film.
The Moroccan Filmmaker Chairs the International Competition Jury
In addition to this tribute, Nabil Ayouch also serves as the president of the jury for the international competition at this year’s festival. He will be joined by several prominent figures from the global cinema landscape, including Syrian-German director and screenwriter Amir Fakhr Eldin, British filmmaker Paul Davies, Chinese actress and producer Fan Bingbing, and Belgian director Laura Wandel.
This dual acknowledgment exemplifies the esteemed position that the Moroccan filmmaker has achieved within the international film community.
A Committed Filmography Focused on Social and Human Issues
As a pivotal figure in contemporary Moroccan cinema, Nabil Ayouch began his career in 1992 with a short film, before releasing his first feature, "Mektoub," in 1997, which represented Morocco at the Oscars.
Over the years, Ayouch has built a filmography that delves into complex social and human realities. Some of his most notable works include "Ali Zaoua," centered on the lives of street children, and "Horses of God," which addresses the issue of extremism.
He has also directed "Razzia" and "Haut et fort," and recently released "Everybody Loves Touda," a film that highlights the art of Aïta and the journey of a woman pursuing emancipation.
The diversity of these productions reflects an artistic approach that places a central emphasis on societal transformations and individual trajectories.
A Commitment to Supporting Young Filmmakers
Alongside his work as a director and producer, Nabil Ayouch is actively engaged in supporting the new generation of cinema professionals, particularly through the "Meda Films" program. This initiative is dedicated to supporting filmmakers from the Southern Mediterranean and enhancing collaboration within the region’s film industry.
His recognition extends beyond the cinematic world. In 2014, the Louvre Museum in Paris dedicated three days to screening a selection of his films, underscoring the interest in his artistic journey.
With this latest honor at the Cairo International Film Festival, Nabil Ayouch’s decades of creativity and commitment to cinema are celebrated on a grand Arab and international cultural stage.
