From “Hob Omry” to “Al Bab Al Akhdar,” Sahar El Saigh has captured the hearts of viewers – and she did it once again at the Oujda International Film Festival.

Marrakech – When Egyptian actress Sahar El Saigh visited Morocco for the second time this week to take part in the 13th Oujda Film Festival, she was captivated by more than just the films.

The experience of cultural exchange, the growing film industry, and the country’s incredible food all left her impressed.

And if there’s one thing she knows for sure, it’s that Morocco is on the map in ways we all need to notice.

“It’s a very, very, very big role,” says El Saigh with a spark in her eye, clearly enamored by the idea of cultural exchange.

The festival, she notes in a conversation with MWN Lifestyle, is a perfect example of this global collaboration. 

With actors from Africa, producers from France, actresses from Spain, and critics from Egypt, the event was an eclectic mix that she believes boosts the industry in ways big and small.

And she’s right, when people from all over come together to share their craft, it’s a win for everyone.

But it’s not just the festival itself that’s making waves. Sahar couldn’t help but notice how numerous Morocco’s festivals are. 

“I went to the Khouribga festival before, and I was surprised by the large number of attendees,” she told MWN. 

This influx of diversity, according to Sahar, sparks collaborations that enrich the industry. And she predicts that these joint projects between Arabs and Europeans will only increase.

Moroccan cinema’s promising future 

While Sahar was in Morocco, she also heard the very exciting news that the country’s cinemas are on the rise.

“At first, I even asked, ‘How come there are so few cinemas?’” she wondered.

As Morocco produces so many films, rich in culture and cinematic quality, Sahar argued, it’s only natural that there should be more cinemas to show them.

With the government’s apparent interest in growing the industry, Sahar’s belief that more theaters will soon pop up in Morocco seems like an obvious step forward.

But Sahar didn’t just fall in love with Morocco’s thriving film scene. 

‘Amazing food’

She also fell head over heels for the country’s hospitality and culinary wonders. “Morocco! What’s up with this amazing food?” she laughed, speaking as an Egyptian with some very discerning tastes. 

The first thing that impressed her was the trays.  Almost every meal she has had during her Moroccan stay has come in elegant, beautifully presented trays. And the best part? Everyone eats together. 

And then there’s the Chicken with Deghmira, pastilla with fish, and half a sheep (yes, you read that right), which she had during the festival – food that left a Moroccan mark.

Sahar’s glowing review of Moroccan cuisine makes it clear that the kingdom’s food culture is both rich in flavor and tradition.

But wait, there’s more! Sahar had to mention the Moroccan tea, “Atay,” which she found “so sweet.”

So what’s the verdict on Sahar’s visit to Morocco? To say she was impressed is an understatement.

From the growing film industry and its international collaborations to the warm hospitality and mouthwatering cuisine, Morocco has truly captured her heart, and it’s easy to see why.

“I didn’t feel like a foreigner,” Sahar reflects. “There’s something common between us. We are sister nations, after all.” 

And we think it’s safe to say that Morocco and Egypt have a lot more in common than just a shared love for film and food.

In any case, it looks like Sahar El Sayegh found more than just a festival in Morocco; she found a home away from home.