Marrakech’s International Film Festival (FIFM) officially launched on the night of November 11, in the presence of international cinema’s biggest names, movie enthusiasts, sector professionals and Minister of Culture, Mehdi Bensaid.
The special night didn’t only mark the beginning of the prestigious event, it was a tribute to influential and internationally respected Bollywood artist, Ranveer Singh.
Once his name was announced, Ranveer gave the audience of the ambassadors’ hall a unique Bollywood entry by dancing to ‘Tattad tattad’ from the award winning movie ‘Golyion Ki Rasleela Ram Leela’.
Dressed in a traditional Indian outfit, the star came in flashing his dance moves with the brightest of smiles as the crowd chanted louder and louder.
Once he took over the microphone, a crowd member screamed “I love you Ranveer” and the actor happily said it back.
True to his nature, being a performer who doesn’t stick to rules nor strict scripts, Ranveer abandoned the speech that was previously agreed on with the festival committee and declared that he’d love to speak from his heart.
Ranveer expressed his gratitude for being called to such a grand celebration of international cinema and spoke of the great pride that he finds in being a cultural ambassador.
He vouched to keep on creating fearlessly and stressed how he hopes to lighten some of the heavy pain and suffering that we live through everyday.
Ranveer sent his dearest apologies to the production team, for his speech and unique entry were not previously planned.
‘I hope to be a significant addition to the relearn of art,’ said the Bollywood star.
Singh accepted his gift and showed it around for the photographers to take all of the pictures they wished for.
As for the beginning of the ceremony, Moroccan pianist Maroune Benabdellah filled the ambassador’s hall with breathtaking melodies as he serenaded the crowd.
The festival’s host presented the president of the jury, the Italian director Paulo Sorrentino through clips from his works.
Sorrentino got on stage and was joined by the jury, with the exception of Oscar Isaac and Susanne Bier who could not make it due to personal reasons.
Sorrentino said that he can’t wait to watch and discuss movies in this festival.
Melita Toscan Du Plantier, a member of the festival’s organization committee ever since its creation, called this 19 edition of FIFM splendid and exceptional.
Before handing Ranveee Singh his trophy, she explained the relations between the festival and Bollywood, especially the love that the Merrakchi audience has for Bollywood stars and movies, their ability to learn every song and make every Bollywood figure to visit the festival feel exceptionally loved.
She reminded the crowd of all of the big names that have previously graced the festival with their participation, from Ranveer’s wife Deepika Padukone who came back in 2013 following the release of ‘Golyion Ki Rasleela Ram Leela’, to Shahrukh Khan’s special visit to the participation of the legendary Amitabh Bachchan with his family.
Once done with handing Ranveer his award, Melita exited the stage so that the jury officially declared the beginning of the festival.
Celebrating Ranveer Singh was taken to the beautiful square of Jemaa El Fna, with the screening of one of his movies.
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