Rabat – Renowned Moroccan choreographer and filmmaker Lahcen Zinoun passed away at the age of 79 on Tuesday in Casablanca after battling with illness.
Zinoun, who was known for his significant contributions to dance and cinema, succumbed to a cerebral hemorrhage after being urgently admitted to a clinic just four days prior.
Born in September 1944 in Derb Moulay Asharif, Casablanca, Zinoun grew up in a modest family with a father working in the railway industry and a homemaker mother.
Zinoun’s journey into the world of dance began in 1958 when he entered the Conservatory of Casablanca, where he was introduced to modern dance.
Despite earning first prize in dance in 1964 at the conservatory, Zinoun faced challenges when denied a scholarship to study dance abroad, coupled with his father finding out about his passion for dance and kicking him out.
Zinoun later moved to Belgium, inspired by the renowned dancer Maurice Béjart. He eventually immersed himself in the international dance scene, becoming a danseur étoile in the ballet of the Opéra royal de Wallonie.
However, his heart remained tied to Morocco, and in 1973, he returned to contribute to modern dance in his homeland.
His return was also an attempt to reconcile with his father, a moment he described as seeing his father dance and realizing their renewed connection.
Zinoun’s life was explored in the autobiographical work “Forbidden Dream,” which detailed his personal journey and decades spent navigating various artistic realms.
Simultaneously, he advocated for classical dance recognition and defended Moroccan heritage.
Among his notable works are the successful films “Oud Al Ward” and “Tattooed,” which gained acclaim both in Morocco and internationally.
Zinoun’s passing marked the end of a chapter in Moroccan cinema, with several Moroccan artists and public figures mourning his death, as well as celebrating his legacy.
