American film director Francis Ford Coppola will chair the 15th annual Marrakech International Film Festival this December.
"The Kingdom of Morocco is among my most favorite places on earth, and thus the Marrakech International Film Festival is a joy to attend," Coppola said in a statement.
"My paternal grandmother was born in North Africa [Tunisia] and I remember well the stories she told."
Boasting five Academy Awards for writing, directing and producing, Coppola is recognized for helping to revolutionize American filmmaking in the 1960s. He was also previously honored at the film festival in 2002. Some of his most well-known films include "The Godfather" trilogy, "Apocalypse Now" and "The Conversation."
Festival organizers praised Coppola and his films saying, "These films have consistently been listed among the greatest films ever made."
"As a writer, director, producer, and technological pioneer, [Coppola] has created a body of work that has helped to shape contemporary American cinema."
Last year French actress Isabelle Huppert hosted the festival, proceeded by legendary American filmmaker Martin Scorsese in 2013. This year's festival will be held from Dec. 4 to 12.