Deserving of Praise (Honors)
Merzak Allouache (Algeria)
Merzak Allouache is an Algerian film director and screenwriter born on October 6, 1944, in Algiers. He is considered one of the pioneers of Algerian cinema, having directed 18 films since 1976. Critics consider him the first Algerian director to directly address daily life in Algeria in his films. His films have gained significant international attention and have been screened at prestigious film festivals such as Cannes and Carthage. Allouache’s films are known for addressing important social and political issues, earning him numerous awards including the Golden Tanit Award. He won the Silver Prize for his film “Omar Killed Him” at the Moscow International Film Festival (1976) and the Best Film Award at the Doha Tribeca Film Festival for his film “Normal” (2011). His film “The Repentant” was showcased in the Directors’ Fortnight section at the Cannes International Film Festival (2012). Some of his notable films include “Bab El Oued City,” “Hello Cousin,” “Rooftops,” “Normal,” “Madame Courage,” “The Repentant,” and “Burning Out,” among others. Personally, Allouache is married and has one daughter, Bahia Allouache, who is also a filmmaker.
Itziar Ituño Martínez (Spain)
Itziar Ituño Martínez, born on June 18, 1974, in Basauri, Spain, embarked on her acting journey at a young age. She studied at the Basauri Theater School and later honed her skills at the prestigious RESAD (Real Escuela Superior de Arte Dramático) in Madrid. Ituño made her professional acting debut in the late 1990s and quickly gained recognition for her versatility and talent.
Throughout her illustrious career, Itziar Ituño has delivered standout performances across film, television, and theater. Besides her iconic role as Inspector Raquel Murillo in “Money Heist” (La Casa de Papel), she has appeared in numerous acclaimed Spanish films and TV series, showcasing her range as an actress.
Ituño’s dedication to her craft has earned her several awards and nominations, including Best Supporting Actress at the Premios Ercilla de Teatro for her stage performance in “Tartufo” and Best Actress in a Leading Role at the Feroz Awards for her role in the film “Loreak” (Flowers). Her portrayal of Inspector Raquel Murillo in “Money Heist” has also garnered her widespread acclaim and accolades from both critics and audiences alike.
Domenico Procacci (Italy)
Domenico Procacci, a luminary of Italian cinema, has left an indelible mark on the industry with his visionary productions. His esteemed company, Fandango, stands as a beacon of excellence, showcasing his commitment to quality storytelling.
Procacci’s portfolio boasts an array of captivating films, including “Gomorrah,” “The Great Beauty,” and “The Tale of Tales,” each a testament to his discerning eye for cinematic brilliance. These films have not only captivated audiences worldwide but have also garnered critical acclaim, earning accolades at prestigious awards ceremonies.
His passion for storytelling and unwavering dedication to his craft have earned Procacci numerous awards and honors, including the esteemed Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film for “Gomorrah” and the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival for “The Great Beauty.” These accolades serve as a testament to Procacci’s enduring impact on the world of cinema, solidifying his legacy as a visionary producer of unparalleled talent.
Tewfik Fares (Algeria)
Born in Bordj Bou Arreridj, Algeria, in 1937, Toufik Fares studied at the Sorbonne in France. Upon his return to Algeria, he became one of the pioneers of photojournalism in North Africa. Starting from 1963, in less than two years, he produced more than 200 “Algerian News” reports in addition to around fifty documentary films.
From 1965, his career took new directions. Eager to keep up with the emergence of an active and committed Algerian cinema, he participated in the production of some short films, such as “Until Evening When the Day’s Lines End,” and contributed to writing screenplays for the first films of director Lakhdar-Hamina, “The Wind of the Aurès” (1967) and “Chronicle of the Years of Embers,” a film that won an award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1975. He also played a significant role in the creation of one of the most prominent films in Algerian cinema history, the only feature film directed by Toufik Fares himself, titled “Outlaws” (1969), a monumental historical piece.
