IFFM 2010: the duty of remembrance for Larbi Doghmi

The memory of Haj Larbi Doghmi at IFFM is ubiquitous in the tenth. His son and brother are there to keep alight the flame of his memory. It is central to the discussions of his companions, who shared with him the pains of infancy. His followers are full of praise for the "master" who generously reached out to both professional and above all human beings.

Names like Larbi Doghmi are mouthpieces of the Moroccan genius in the field of writing and art full of life and hope. His career speaks eloquently about his contribution to building the world of entertainment in Morocco. Evidenced by his appearance in the mid-1970s, in the movie "The Man Who Would Be King", the starring opposite screen giant Sean Connery.

Many of his peers have made the trip to Marrakech, headed up by Chekroun Abdellah, who shared with the deceased the errors and the initial success of theater and television in Morocco. The baptism of fire Doghmi "can not be accounted for in terms of years (more than two decades), but by the accomplishments and stature achieved by an artist like Doghmi," said Mr. Chekroun, part of the generation precursors.

"Doghmi remained in the annals of Moroccan art scene thanks to his talent in all areas of expression. He was someone who was able to display of the full extent of his know-how," he continued.

Filmmaker Ismail Mohamed, whose childhood was marked by the map given by the deceased in radio serials, remembers his excitement when he passed Haj Larbi Doghmi in local radio where he made his debut in the first audiovisual world.

"Larbi Doghmi was one of the top designers with whom I worked in radio and television productions," he told Ismail Mohamed, noting that he was a "complete" novel artist whose courage has opened up "vast horizons for work in global production."

The actor and director Ahmed Boulan is concerned that young people today "know or pretend to ignore such a monument" which he initiated in the 70s , when he when he appeared as his son in one of the work of the national troupe of Ahmed Boulan (current SNRT).

He said he planned to work with Larbi Doghmi, which he considers a "spiritual father", in productions that were mounted. But fate decided otherwise.

The actor Salheddine Benmoussa noted that the deceased was on his own, "a school" in the field of artistic expression and play, whether in classical Arabic or in the Moroccan dialect, saying that the school continues to survive with the works he has inherited, along with another television giant, Abderrazak Hakam.

Benmoussa recalls some historical facts: The deceased, known for his exceptional voice, was an adventurer who did not recognize the impossible. He always cherished the dream of producing a national epic, bringing together actors and singers to mark the first anniversary of independence in Laayoune. Hes funded its own series of films as gracefully as he played in several others.

With his numerous qualities and spirit Larbi Doghmi serves as an example for all generations, including the artists of the new wave of Moroccan theater. Latifa Ahrar, who is a part of this new wave, views the deceased as one of the artists and of eternal value to Moroccan art and creativity, he is etched forever in the national collective memory.

The twin son of Hassan and Larbi Doghmi, Mohssine recalled a few anecdotes about their father, describing him as "a very loving father and an elegant man, thoughtful who loved his neighbour."

The International Film Festival of Marrakech has chosen this year to honor the late Larbi Doghmi and director Abderrahmane Tazi, another leading figure of Moroccan cinema.



Hassan Saoudi

MAP