Naima Lamcharki, Pioneering Moroccan Film Star, Dies at 81

Moroccan cinema is in mourning. Naima Lamcharki died from a long illness on Saturday in Casablanca. In a Facebook post, director and producer Ahmed Bouaroua confirms the death of the pioneer of Moroccan cinema: "The sister, the companion, the honest and beloved artist Naima Lamcharki, who lives in the hearts of all Moroccans, is in the mercy of God. [...] May God have mercy on her, forgive her and grant her a place in His vast paradise. To God we belong and to Him we return."

The Minister of Culture, Youth and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, paid tribute to the deceased on the same social network. He described her as a "symbol of Moroccan art" whose lasting works will testify to her creativity and dedication. "We offer our sincere condolences and sympathy to the family of the deceased and to all her loved ones, asking the Almighty to surround her with His great mercy, to grant her a place in His vast paradise and to grant her family patience and comfort. To God we belong and to Him we return," he added.

"What a sad news to lose a lady of Moroccan cinema, the talented actress Naima Lamcharki, who has always enchanted us with her elegant appearance and the interpretation of her roles with great talent and professionalism. Our most sincere condolences to her entire family, small and large. We only say what pleases God. To God we belong and to Him we return," wrote singer Latifa Raafat.

Born in Casablanca in 1943, Lamcharki cut her teeth in theater in the late 1950s. She was propelled to the forefront of the stage by her remarkable appearances in various popular comedies such as "Allal Al Kalda" and "Tasqot Al Kheil Taba’an" (The Horses Fall in Succession). She had received, during her prolific career, the award for best actress at the Arab Film Festival in Malmö for her role in the feature film "Kharif Attouffah" (Autumn Apples) by director Mohamed Mouftakir. Lamcharki was a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF.

Deceased at the age of 81, Lamcharki last appeared on screen in 2021 in the 2021 Ramadan series "Souk Delala", directed by Jamila El Barji. She leaves behind a rich legacy of performances that have shaped the Moroccan entertainment landscape.

Moroccans abroad know her for the "Ramdam" family series long broadcast on the French channel M6.