The most recent uproar occurred during Sean Penn's tribute at the festival. Following the tribute, the organizers screened Milk, a film starring Sean Penn, which initially seemed like a routine choice. However, the scene featuring a same-sex kiss between Sean Penn and James Franco caused a stir, sparking outrage among Moroccan attendees. Reports from local media indicate that a significant portion of the audience left the theater in protest, and footage of the backlash is included at the end of this article.

 The drama in Morocco continues, this time in the world of Moroccan cinema, where director Asmae El Moudir’s The Mother of All Lies is at the center of accusations of betrayal and exploitation. Below is the full translation of the article published by the well-known Moroccan media outlet H News

All of Morocco is in shock over the infamous kiss between our minister Leila Benali and Australian billionaire Andrew Forrest. This is considered one of the biggest scandals so far. Not only is a public kiss inappropriate, but having such a scandal published by international media is another major issue. We Moroccans tend to handle our affairs discreetly, striving to maintain an immaculate image of our country—though one might wonder if such an image truly exists

Anas questioned why movie directors would hire him when they were being paid by influencers, not only with hush money but also with sex. He humorously mentioned that some influencers have money and the "Algerian President" on their side. Interestingly, the family name of the Algerian President translates to "Vagina" in Moroccan Darija. In Moroccan culture, where saying "Vagina" is considered taboo, people often use the term "Algerian President" as a substitute, making it a trendy alternative. So, how can one find work in the entertainment industry when cash and the "Algerian President" are involved?