The 20th Marrakech International Film Festival kicks off
The 20th edition of the Marrakech International Film Festival commenced at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, featuring esteemed personalities from the film, art, culture, and media spheres, both from Morocco and around the world.
With the gracious High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the festival commenced with the customary parade of attendees. This included luminaries from Moroccan and international cinema who graced the red carpet, amidst the enthusiastic applause from the audience and the lenses of photographers representing various global media outlets.
The audience warmly welcomed the President of the Jury, the distinguished Oscar-winning American actress and producer, Jessica Chastain, alongside the other esteemed Jury members. The members comprised Iranian actress Zar Amir, French actress Camille Cottin, Australian actor and director Joel Edgerton, British director Joanna Hogg, American director Dee Rees, Swedish-Egyptian director Tarek Saleh, Swedish actor Alexander Skarsgård, and French-Moroccan writer Leïla Slimani.
The festival promises a rich exchange of insights and practices from acclaimed figures across various fields within the film industry. With a lineup featuring Australian actor and director Simon Baker, Moroccan director Faouzi Bensaïdi, French director Bertrand Bonello, American actor Willem Dafoe, Indian filmmaker and producer Anurag Kashyap, and American multi-talent Matt Dillon, attendees can anticipate engaging discussions and valuable perspectives.
Moreover, the festival intends to spotlight the works and perspectives of distinguished individuals such as Japanese director Naomi Kawase, the recipient of the Festival’s Étoile d’Or, Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen, American-Danish actor and director Viggo Mortensen, Scottish actress Tilda Swinton, and Russian director and screenwriter Andrey Zvyagintsev.
In line with its tradition of honoring local talent, the festival dedicates a special section to Moroccan cinema with the « Panorama of Moroccan Cinema, » showcasing a curated selection of five films that offer a glimpse into the diverse and vibrant Moroccan film landscape.
A highlight of this milestone occasion will be the conferral of the esteemed Étoile d’Or of the 20th Marrakech International Film Festival to the talented and poetic Moroccan director Faouzi Bensaïdi, recognizing his significant contributions to the cinematic arts. This recognition undoubtedly adds to the festival’s celebration of creativity and excellence within the global film community.
Justine
