A tribute was paid on Thursday in Ouarzazate to the Moroccan director Azelarabe El Alaoui at the opening of the first edition of the International University Festival of Youth Cinema, organised under the theme "Cinema, crossroads of cultures". Speaking during this ceremony, which took place in the presence of the President of Ibn Zohr University, Omar Halli, filmmakers, academics, and association activists, Azelarabe El Alaoui said he was proud of this tribute, which he considers a responsibility that will push him to be more selective and perfectionist in his works. "The reality of contemporary Moroccan cinema is unique, given its position as a leader at the African level," he indicated, highlighting the Kingdom's distinguished presence at international events and festivals.

He also considered that the International University Festival of Youth Cinema in Ouarzazate was a pillar for the creation of a truly academic cinema, adding that universities will become "nurseries" for the production of artists, directors, intellectuals and filmmakers of tomorrow. Mr El Alaoui is one of the best-known Moroccan filmmakers. He has several international festivals to his credit as well as numerous awards for his films, notably "Mawîid fi Walili" (A Date in Volubilis), "Azourane" and "Jazirato yawmin ma" (A Certain Island). On the programme for this edition are several exhibitions, a competition for cinema students in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Germany, Canada, the United States, as well as a round table moderated by academics from Morocco and abroad.