Marrakech Film Festival Kicks Off in Morocco
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Roshan Amiri
- . November 25, 2023
- . Update: November 25, 2023 10:04 am
The Middle East and North Africa region saw the 20th edition of Marrakech Film Festival kick off with the world cheering as Hamas released the first set of Israeli hostages. The film festival is a breather for the region which has been engulfed in a war since October 7.
Jessica Chastain, president of Marrakech Film Festival’s jury, said they were not sure if they would be even holding the festival in Marrakech. “The world we share is shattered and devoured. Throughout history, art has been used as an accessible tool for communication, raising awareness about social issues and affecting positive change.”
Melita Toscan Du Plantier, director of the Marrakech International Film Festival, pointed out that they are very much aware about what’s happening in the MENA region. But she feels the heart is important. “Heart is a weapon against obscurity and against conflict. We’re here to talk about heart, show movies and talk about directors from the region.”
Marrakech Film Festival for Regional Directors
The Marrakech Film Festival is one of Morocco’s most highly publicized international events. It showcases cinema from Morocco, the Middle East and Africa. Running from November 24 to December 2, the international event will honor Moroccan director Faouzi Bensaidi, and workshop films from throughout the region in a developmental program.
Remi Bonhomme, Marrakech Film Festival’s artistic director, said they are working more with local distributors. “We are launching Alexander Payne’s “The Holdovers”, which will be released by Universal here in Morocco and in several territories of the Arab world.
“And we have a Senegalese film in competition, “Banel & Adama” that is getting distribution through Pathe BC Afrique. Also in competition we have the world premiere of a film from Madagascar, “Disco Afrika: A Malagasy Story”.”
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Marrakech Film Festival Keeps Filmmaking Alive
Being one of the most awaited events, Marrakech Film Festival is being held in a more sober form given the disasters (earthquakes and floods) and the war in the MENA region. It’s described as a spirit of resilience to keep the flame of filmmaking burning. The region is cinematically vibrant, connecting the geographically distant countries in Africa and the Arab world, globally.
Marrakech Film Festival showcases films and welcomes artists from all over the world with some of the big industry names, building a very strong relationship with the personalities and audience.
