Mohammed Hassan El Joundi

Mohammed Hassan Al-Jundi (Arabic: محمد حسن الجندي) ‎(1939–2017) was a major Moroccan figure of art, theater and cinema. He was an author, film director and actor. He is considered one of the most famous and popular actors in Morocco and the Arab world. He has excelled in historical roles and is also regarded as one of the main pillars of Moroccan theater.

Early life Al-Jundi was born on 1938 in Marrakesh, into an Amazigh family. His father was one of the sheikhs of the Tijaniyya Sufi order, which enriched his upbringing with religious and cultural values. He began his education in a Quranic school (kuttab), then joined Ben Youssef Madrasa, where he focused on Sharia and religious studies. In 1946, he enrolled in the Hassania School, which was run by a prominent nationalist leader. It was there that he was introduced to theater for the first time, igniting his passion for art and literature.

Career

He was a prolific radio and theater writer who directed and starred in projects for radio, television, and theater from the 1950s until his death in 2017, including his fantasy series Al Azalia. A pioneer of musical theater in the Middle East and North Africa, he performed in venues around the world.

Some of his most memorable performances include Abu Jahl, Amr ibn Hisham in the Arabic version of the movie The Message, Rustam in the film Qadisiyah, Utbah ibn Rabiah in the 2012's historical drama Umar ibn al-Khattab, Hamadi in the 2011 film Taalab Assilah and Moha in the short series Ghadba.

On February 18, one week before his death, he attended the launch and signing of his autobiographical novel Weld Laksour at Casablanca International Book Fair. It was his last project.

Works Films 1976: The Message 1981: Al Qadisiyya 1982: Mutawi and Bahiya 1983: Bamou 1990: The Battle of the Three Kings 1996: L’ombre du Pharaon 2011: Taalab Assilah 2012: Omar

Series 2002: The Hawk of Quraish 2004: The Knight of Banu Marwa 2012: Omar 2013: The Last Cavalier

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