The 21st edition of the Marrakech International Film Festival opened in Morocco on Friday, solidifying its position as one of the most significant cultural events in the Middle East and North Africa. Featuring 70 films from 32 countries, the festival is spotlighting both Oscar contenders and lesser-known gems from emerging filmmakers, with a distinct emphasis on voices from the Middle East and Africa.
The festival’s opening night saw the premiere of The Order, a high-stakes thriller starring Jude Law that delves into an FBI manhunt for a leader of a white supremacist group. This year’s competition includes 14 first- and second-time feature films, with the aim of providing a platform for new and innovative cinematic voices from around the globe.
Among the renowned industry figures attending the festival are actors Sean Penn, Alfonso Cuarón, and David Cronenberg, who will be taking part in discussions and tributes. The festival’s artistic director, Remi Bonhomme, emphasized its unique mission of amplifying filmmakers from regions often underrepresented in global cinema. “We focus on countries with limited representation, offering filmmakers the freedom to share their personal visions without being constrained by political or cultural expectations,” Bonhomme stated.
Family dynamics, a central theme this year, are explored through narratives that intertwine social and political challenges with personal stories. The Seed of the Sacred Fig, directed by Mohammad Rasoulof, is among the standout films that examine these issues on an intimate scale.
The jury competition is judged by a distinguished panel of nine members, including actors Jacob Elordi and Andrew Garfield, and Iranian-Danish director Ali Abbasi. The jury is presided over by Luca Guadagnino, the acclaimed director behind Queer.
Notable films in the competition include Across the Sea, directed by Saïd Hamich, which follows the journey of a young Moroccan man migrating to Marseille, and Under the Volcano by Damian Kocur, Poland’s entry for Best International Feature at the Academy Awards.
Founded by King Mohammed VI of Morocco and presided over by his brother Prince Moulay Rachid, the festival plays a key role in promoting Moroccan cinema and providing filmmakers from the region with an international stage. This year’s program, with its diverse range of stories and filmmakers, continues to strengthen the festival’s reputation as a vital cultural hub for cinema.
By combining global reach with a commitment to nurturing new talent, the Marrakech International Film Festival remains an essential event in the global cinematic calendar, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and showcasing films that challenge, inspire, and captivate.
