Marrakech Celebrates Global Cinema and Diversity
An International Platform for Cinematic Visions
The Marrakech International Film Festival, according to Bong Joon Ho, president of the jury for the 22nd edition, stands out as a unique stage where visions, aesthetics, and sensitivities from around the globe converge. During a press conference in Marrakech, the Oscar-winning Korean director emphasized that this grand celebration of cinema has become an essential crossroads for emerging talents seeking international recognition.
Growing Appeal in Korea and Beyond
Bong Joon Ho explained that many Korean filmmakers are now closely following the festival and are eager to showcase their works, drawn by the artistic diversity and international openness of the ochre city.
Cinema as a Space for Art and Social Critique
Expressing that he was “delighted” to serve on the jury, the director recalled that the strength of cinema lies in the balance between aesthetics, beauty, pure art, and a critical perspective on society. In his view, cinema remains a space where visual poetry, reflection, and collective memory intertwine.
Powerful Stories at the Heart of the Selection
Karim Aïnouz, a Brazilian-Algerian filmmaker and visual artist, highlighted the festival’s commitment to showcasing intimate and powerful narratives. Meanwhile, American actress Jenna Ortega expressed her “great honor” at participating in such a richly storied festival, noting that the diversity of the competing works makes the experience particularly stimulating.
An International and Multicultural Jury
The jury, chaired by Bong Joon Ho, brings together several notable figures from the global cinema landscape: Jenna Ortega, Karim Aïnouz, Hakim Belabbes, Julia Ducournau, Payman Maadi, Celine Song, and Anya Taylor-Joy, embodying the diverse artistic approaches of the festival.
Artificial Intelligence at the Center of Discussions
The jury members extensively discussed the impact of AI on film creation. They asserted that AI-generated characters will never replace human actors, as no technology can replicate the sensitivity, emotional complexity, or soul of a performer. According to them, AI should remain a complementary tool in production, without substituting the human experience that is core to acting and storytelling.
A Festival for Dialogue and Creativity
The jury emphasized cinema’s ability to weave connections between cultures, question societies, and convey universal emotions. They maintained that the festival remains a vital space to amplify new voices, encourage creativity, and promote a plurality of narratives from around the world.
An Edition Under Royal Patronage
Held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, this 22nd edition honors four prominent figures in global and Arab cinema: Jodie Foster, Guillermo del Toro, Moroccan actress Raouya (Fatima Harandi), and Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmi.
