Taghmaoui: We have to adapt with Covid 19, El Gouna Film Festival stresses the need for life continuation

CAIRO – 24 October 2020:  From his take on how the industry can spring back from the onslaught of issues brought on by the pandemic, to his love of scuba diving, American-French filmmaker Said Taghmaoui shares his thoughts during a seminar organised by GFF to honor him on October 24.

Taghmaoui spoke on how regional festivals such as GFF can be a launch pad during the unprecedented time the industry’s going through, and how it can be a beacon for aspiring filmmakers from across the world.

‘’We have to adapt with Covid 19 and El Gouna Film Festival stresses the need for life continuation’’ he said.

Taghmaoui expressed that he is proud of his presence in El Gouna, describing what is happening in the world due to the Coronavirus with the word crazy.

The acclaimed American-French actor  saluted the El Gouna Festival as the first in the region to start with this massive size despite that most of the countries around the world has stopped sports, cinema and everything, and France has begun to put the closure restrictions on again.

Taghmaoui stated that his uncle was infected with the Coronavirus and died and his mother could not pray and say goodbye to him.

Taghmaoui pointed out that we must learn to live with the virus, not to die with it,  like what is happening in El Gouna and Egypt, explaining that every person must protect  himself by wearing the mask and maintain the needed social distance.

The veteran American-French actor added that in El Gouna Festival we can meet many talents, while  Cannes Festival relies on being a film market and a destination for tourism.

He explained that Marrakesh Festival depends on highlighting the culture and making tourism propaganda and the decision to cancel it was difficult but serious because of the pandemic, hoping that the world will follow the example of El Gouna Film Festival, to live with the virus, hold festivals and revive life again.

Said added that he was a Muslim ,young and Arab guy, so he would not have acheived this sucess except by believing in what god wrote for him and his parents prayers.

GFF granted Omar el Sherif award to the multitalented actor in its opening ceremony.

In his speech after receiving the award, Taghmaoui said that his mother and father used to adore Omar el Sherif.

“Omar el Sherif for me was far bigger than just an actor , he was like a destiny” Taghmaoui said.

 Taghmaoui said he was fascinated with Omar el Sherif for different reasons.

“Omar el Sherif was like an impossible dream for me” Taghmaoui said.

 Taghmaoui added that the dream came true and thry worked together and became friends.

“ I visited Egypt with Omar el Sherif, I truly miss him, I am so proud of this award because it carries his name” the acclaimed Moroccan artist said.