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The Marrakech International Film Festival will engage audiences with its upcoming 22nd edition, scheduled from November 28 to December 6. This year, the festival features a diverse selection of 82 films from 31 countries, highlighting the richness of global cinema.
Among the films showcased, nine will have their world or international premieres. Additionally, several films have benefited from the festival’s Atlas Workshops, which support the development of emerging talent in the industry. Notably, 14 films are competing for recognition as they represent their countries in the prestigious Academy Awards race.
Spotlight on emerging filmmakers
Emerging talent shines in official competition
The festival’s Official Competition serves as a vital platform for emerging filmmakers, featuring 14 first or second feature films vying for the prestigious Étoile d’Or. This year, renowned filmmaker Bong Joon-ho leads the jury, charged with recognizing the best in this new wave of cinematic artistry.
Among the notable entries is Moroccan director Meryem Benm’Barek with her psychological thriller, Behind the Palm Trees. This gripping narrative explores the complexities of class relations and the enduring impacts of colonialism. Another significant film in the competition is First Light, a compelling moral drama directed by Australian photographer James J.
Robinson. This film follows a Filipino nun as she navigates her beliefs against a backdrop of corruption.
Exploring personal and political narratives
Several films in the lineup reflect pivotal political moments through a semi-autobiographical lens. For instance, Before the bright day by Shih-Han Tsao captures the anxieties of Taiwanese youth facing the threat of war in 1996.
Similarly, Akinola Davies Jr.‘s My father’s shadow portrays a father-son dynamic set against Nigeria’s 1993 electoral crisis, while Zamo Mkhwanazi’s film Laundry reveals the aspirations of a young South African man during the Apartheid era.
In a related vein, two debut features—Amoeba by Siyou Tan and Ish by Imran Perretta—explore the theme of teenage friendship in politically charged environments, set in Singapore and suburban London respectively.
Documentaries and thematic explorations
This year’s festival highlights documentaries and gala screenings
This year’s festival places a strong emphasis on documentaries, featuring works such as Memory by Vladlena Sandu and My Father and Qaddafi by Jihane K.. These films provide poignant reflections on personal memories intertwined with collective histories. Sandu revisits her formative years in Chechnya, while Jihane explores her connection to Libya and its tumultuous past.
Additionally, the Gala Screenings section will showcase much-anticipated films, including Dead Man’s Wire, a satirical commentary on media and capitalism directed by Gus Van Sant. Another notable film is Calle Málaga, which tells a touching story of a woman from the Spanish community in Tangier.
Tributes and closing highlights
This year’s Tributes program will honor prominent filmmakers, including Guillermo del Toro, who will introduce his adaptation of Frankenstein. Jodie Foster will present A Private Life, a crime comedy directed by Rebecca Zlotowski. Additionally, the festival will feature the world premiere of El Sett, a biopic about the legendary singer Oum Kalthoum, portrayed by Mona Zaki.
As the festival approaches its conclusion, excitement surrounds Hamnet by Chloé Zhao. This film explores the emotional depths of family love alongside the creative origins of Hamlet. The closing film, Palestine 36 by Annemarie Jacir, will present a historical drama featuring esteemed Arab actors, illuminating a significant moment in Palestinian history.
Celebrating diverse storytelling
Horizons section showcases contemporary cinema at Marrakech festival
The Horizons section of the festival features 19 contemporary films, reflecting the diverse landscape of modern cinema. This section includes works from acclaimed directors such as Claire Denis, Jim Jarmusch, and Kelly Reichardt, alongside emerging talents like Ali Asgari and Teona Strugar Mitevska.
In addition to international films, the festival emphasizes the strength of Arab cinema, presenting acclaimed entries such as Cherien Dabis‘s What’s Left of Us and Kaouther Ben Hania‘s The Voice of Hind Rajab, which have received recognition at prestigious festivals.
By highlighting new voices and innovative storytelling, the Marrakech International Film Festival stands as a vibrant celebration of global cinema, aiming to inspire both audiences and filmmakers.
