In a heartfelt video addressing the devastating Al Haouz tragedy, the great director Martin Scorsese wished the victim a swift recovery and addressed his condolences to his “home away from home”.
The video, shared on Instagram today, started with Scorsese saying “Like many people around the world, I was deeply disturbed and saddened by the news of the devastating earthquake in Morocco. It’s still going on, the disturbances, loss of so many homes, and above all the terrible loss of so many lives.”
it’s really difficult to come to terms with and fathom, explained the director, saying that this is personal to him, as he has made two movies in Morocco in the past 25 years.
Having been to the Marrakech International Film Festival (FIFM) many times over the year, and visiting on various occasions, “I’ve come to love the country deeply.”
“To the people of Morocco, I’m grieving for you, I’m praying for you and your nation’s swift recovery I can’t wait to come back to the place I’ve come to love.”
The video ended with Scorsese, sitting and looking straight at the camera, saying “It’s my home away from home. Morocco, thank you and god bless you.”
As there is no news about FIFM being canceled this year, Scorsese will be visiting the event as s patron of the 6th Atlas Workshops.
By doing so, the director will instaure a new tradition at the Marrakech International Film Festival: meaning that annually, a major figure of world cinema will be invited to be the patron of the Atlas Workshops and mentor young movie makers from all over the Arab world and Africa.
