By Safaa Ahmed Agha
Under the patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the 21st edition of the Marrakech International Film Festival began on Friday, November 29, and will continue until December 7, 2024.
As is tradition, the opening ceremony witnessed the attendance of large crowds of cinema enthusiasts gathered around the Palais des Congrès, the festival’s main venue, eager to catch a glimpse of the numerous international stars and filmmakers who consistently prioritize attending the Marrakech Film Festival. Many participants describe the event as an opportunity to both connect with global cinema professionals and enjoy the vibrant ambiance of Marrakech, a city celebrated worldwide for its artistic charm and creativity.
The festival also attracted a host of prominent journalists and media figures from various Arab and international outlets to cover this cinematic event. This edition stands out for its use of advanced technology in organizing the event, lending a contemporary and dazzling touch to the festivities.
In their opening remarks, organizers emphasized the significant role of cinema in fostering cultural dialogue, exchanging ideas, and supporting both Arab and international filmmaking.
The festival opened with the screening of the film The Order, a police thriller by director Justin Kurzel, who returns to Marrakech after previously winning the Jury Prize for his debut film and serving as a jury member during the 19th edition.
A Diverse Selection of Films
This year, the festival selected 70 films from 32 countries, spread across categories such as the official competition, gala screenings, special screenings, 11th Continent, Moroccan Panorama, youth and family programs, and tributes.
Twelve films benefitted from the “Atlas Workshops,” a film industry program initiated by the festival in 2018 to nurture emerging talent. Notably, nine of these films have been nominated to represent their countries in the Oscars.
The official competition aims to spotlight new voices in global cinema, with 14 films competing for the festival’s prestigious Golden Star. These include debut and sophomore features spanning genres such as melodrama, documentaries, fictional storytelling, and romantic comedies.
Moroccan filmmakers Saïd Hamich Benlarbi and Hind Meddeb will present The Distant Sea, a luminous romantic film about exile, and Sudan Ya Ghaly, a poetic depiction of Sudanese youth resistance, respectively.
Other films in the competition tackle global issues, such as Damian Kocur’s Under the Volcano, set in Ukraine, and Mo Harawe’s The Village Next to Paradise, which explores love and resilience in Somalia. Meanwhile, Gabrielle Brady’s They Always Come at Night delves into the effects of climate change in Mongolia through stunning documentary visuals.
Filmmakers from Asia bring powerful portrayals of strong women: Hu Xin’s Bound in the Sky addresses domestic violence in China, while Tee Mau Nyang’s Ma, Cry of Silence highlights the brave struggles of Burmese laborers.
In their debut films, Mohamed Hamdy (Mint-Scented) and Dania Raymond-Bogno (Storms) explore the histories of Egypt and Algeria, respectively. Turkish director Murat Feratoglu will present One of Those Days Hemi Died, an imaginative story about a man’s determination to resist injustice.
The films also shed light on family dynamics to reveal societal truths, such as Return to You by Skandar Copti, which follows a Palestinian family in Haifa, and Silvina Schnicer’s The Cabin, an Argentine family drama premiering globally in Marrakech.
Two comedic dramas explore youthful voices: Neo Sora’s Happy Ending focuses on the political awakening of Japanese high school students, while Laura Beani’s Jane Austen Ruined My Life humorously examines a bookseller’s romantic dreams.
Gala Screenings
The gala screenings feature six eagerly awaited global films. Brazilian director Walter Salles will present I’m Still Here, a poignant family drama about a woman confronting her husband’s disappearance during a military dictatorship.
Moroccan director Nabil Ayouch will showcase In Love with Toda, highlighting a fierce, independent woman portrayed by actress Nisreen Radi. Meanwhile, David Cronenberg, a master of fantasy cinema and this year’s honoree, will unveil The Shrouds, one of his most personal works.
Other gala highlights include Karen Tardieu’s film on motherhood featuring Valeria Bruni Tedeschi and Mohammad Rasoulof’s The Sacred Fig Seed, a bold call for freedom in Iran. The section concludes with The Fourth Wall by David Oelhoffen, which explores art’s role in wartime Lebanon.
Special Screenings and More
The “Special Screenings” section offers 15 contemporary films from acclaimed directors like Andrea Arnold and Edward Berger. It also includes the world premieres of films such as Fanon, a biopic about Frantz Fanon, and restored classics like Camp de Thiaroye.
The “11th Continent” section features 13 experimental films that challenge perceptions of borders and territories, showcasing works by renowned and emerging directors.
The “Moroccan Cinema” section highlights five feature films by Moroccan directors, three of which will have their world premieres.
The “Youth and Family” section offers 12 screenings tailored to children, teenagers, and families, while tribute screenings celebrate iconic figures such as Naima Lamcharki, Sean Bean, and David Cronenberg.
With 70 films from diverse backgrounds, the 21st Marrakech International Film Festival promises a rich and unforgettable cinematic experience.
