Marrakech International Film Festival Opens, Spotlighting Global Talent and Emerging Voices
MARRAKECH, Morocco — One of the most prominent film festivals in the Middle East and North Africa kicked off in Morocco on Friday, drawing acclaimed filmmakers and actors from around the globe. The 21st Marrakech International Film Festival features 70 films from 32 countries, celebrating cinematic excellence while championing up-and-coming talent.
Unlike the larger and more commercialized festivals in Venice, Cannes, or Toronto, Marrakech places a strong emphasis on showcasing emerging directors, particularly from the Middle East and Africa. Oscar contenders are featured alongside screenings accessible to the general public, creating an inclusive celebration of global cinema.
This year’s festival highlights conversations and tributes with renowned figures like Sean Penn, Alfonso Cuaron, and David Cronenberg. Artistic director Remi Bonhomme emphasized the festival’s dual mission of attracting world-class talent and spotlighting new voices from underrepresented regions.
“We prioritize countries that don’t often have a significant presence in global cinema,” Bonhomme explained. “Our focus is on filmmakers with distinct perspectives, whether their stories are rooted in Morocco, Iran, or the U.S. They aren’t required to represent their country’s voice but are encouraged to freely express their unique visions.”
Family dynamics emerge as a key theme in this year’s films. Bonhomme pointed to Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof’s The Seed of the Sacred Fig, which examines social and political issues through the lens of family relationships.
The festival launched with The Order, a thriller starring Jude Law that follows an FBI pursuit of a white supremacist leader. Its main competition features 14 debut or second-time films judged by a nine-member jury, including actors Andrew Garfield and Jacob Elordi. Presiding over the panel is Italian-Algerian filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, known for his work on Queer.
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Notable entries include Moroccan director Saïd Hamich’s Across the Sea, exploring a young man’s immigration journey to Marseille, and Poland’s Oscar submission Under the Volcano by Damian Kocur.
Established by King Mohammed VI and presided over by Prince Moulay Rachid, the festival has become a vital platform for Moroccan filmmakers. This year’s lineup features bold themes, including films about immigration, LGBTQ+ issues, Moroccan Jewish communists, and nightlife performers.
As the festival continues to expand its reach, it remains a vital space for cultural exchange, storytelling, and the celebration of emerging and established talent from around the world.
By SAM METZ
Associated Press