Marrakech  — HRH Prince Moulay Rachid presided, Saturday at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, over a dinner banquet hosted by HM King Mohammed VI on the occasion of the official opening of the 12th International Film Festival of Marrakech.

At the beginning of the ceremony, HRH the Prince was greeted by Melita Toscan du Plantier, Director of the Festival, the Jury Chairman, scriptwriter, film director and producer John Boorman, the members of the Jury as well as by figues to whom tribute was paid.

HRH Prince Moulay Rachid was also greeted by Moroccan and foreign actors, as well as officials of the Festival's partner institutions and groups.

Subsequently, HRH Prince Moulay Rachid decorated the Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan with Al Kafaa Fikria (intellectual merit) Wissam.

The official opening, Friday, of the festival, held under the patronage of HM King Mohammed VI, was marked by the presence of a galaxy of personalities from different backgrounds, especially the world of art and culture.

Fifteen films from different countries are vying for the Golden Star / Grand Prix, the Jury Prize and best male and female performance award.