Khaberni - Concurrent with the controversy over her honor at the 30th new edition of the Rabat International Festival of Auteur Cinema, Egyptian artist Laila Elwi sent a message to her Moroccan audience through which she expressed her happiness to be present as the guest of honor at the festival.
Laila posted on her Facebook account: "I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the festival for this great honor, this prestigious festival that brings us together today reflects the great interest in cinema and art in Morocco, and testifies to its prominent role in enhancing cultural dialogue between peoples."
Laila Elwi added: "I would also like to thank the great Moroccan people for their hospitality and warm reception, thank you again, and I wish you more success and brilliance, and to the Moroccan people all love and appreciation."
Laila Elwi caught the attention wearing a Moroccan caftan during the thirtieth edition of the festival, where she wore an elegant caftan adorned with sophisticated golden details, and completed her look with a tiara studded with gems.
Honoring Controversy
Laila Elwi's message came concurrently with controversy in Moroccan circles criticizing the "repetition" of honoring Laila Elwi, in a way that made it an annual protocol rather than a celebration of artistic creativity, according to their description.
In this context, Moroccan film critic Abdel Rahim Al-Shafei said in statements to local media, "The repeated honoring of the same cinematic faces reveals a strange flaw in the prioritization of Moroccan film festivals."
In turn, Moroccan film critic Abdel Karim Wakrim sees that honoring Laila Elwi, for the eighth time in Moroccan festivals, is "unacceptable", questioning the clear criteria for honoring creators and celebrating them, in the presence of a talented young woman influencing the local art scene.
On the other hand, comments welcoming and praising artist Laila Elwi flooded her post directed at the Moroccan people, where one of them said: "Masha Allah always shining, and we are honored by your presence in our country Morocco, which is your second home my dear."
Another commented: "I was honored to direct the opening of this festival in your beautiful and noble presence."
It is noted that the new edition of the festival is held from November 8 to 14, in the Moroccan capital, Rabat, featuring 150 films from various countries of the world, including world premieres, with the opening film "Judge Gracia" by Italian director Peter Marcias.
