The Marrakech International Film Festival, one of the largest in the Middle East and North Africa, opened on Friday in Morocco. This year marks its 21st edition, showcasing 70 feature films from 32 countries. The festival brings together filmmakers and actors from across the globe, with a special focus on emerging talent from the Middle East and Africa, setting it apart from major festivals like Cannes, Venice, or Toronto.
While the festival will present films likely to feature in the Oscars, its true distinction lies in its dedication to supporting new voices in cinema, especially from regions with less representation. The festival’s artistic director, Remi Bonhomme, emphasized that the event prioritizes filmmakers with unique perspectives, who create stories from their own cultural contexts but maintain the freedom to express their individual visions.
This year, one of the key themes explored in the films is family. Directors such as Mohammad Rasoulof, known for “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” delve into how social and political issues affect family dynamics. The festival opened with “The Order,” a thriller starring Jude Law, centered on an FBI agent’s pursuit of a white supremacist group leader.
The competition includes 14 films from first- and second-time directors. A distinguished jury of nine members, including actors Jacob Elordi and Andrew Garfield, will judge the entries. Iranian-Danish director Ali Abbasi and Italian-Algerian filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, known for “Queer,” will serve as the jury president.
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Among the films in competition are “Across the Sea” by Saïd Hamich, which follows a young Moroccan man’s journey to Marseille, and “Under the Volcano” by Damian Kocur, Poland’s entry for Best International Feature at the Oscars.
Founded by King Mohammed VI and led by his brother, Prince Moulay Rachid, the festival plays a crucial role in promoting Moroccan cinema and filmmakers. This year’s lineup includes films tackling sensitive topics such as immigration, LGBTQ+ themes, performances by bar entertainers, and the story of Moroccan communist Jews.
