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Culture & Leisure

Marrakech Film Festival Shines Bright in Its 20th Edition

Monday 27 November 2023 - 09:04 Journalists: Dakir Madiha

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The red carpet unfurled in Marrakech on Friday evening, heralding the spectacular commencement of the city's 20th International Film Festival. Under the esteemed patronage of King Mohammed VI, luminaries from Morocco and beyond graced the Palais des Congrès to inaugurate the 11-day extravaganza in grandeur.

At the forefront of the star-studded ensemble was Oscar-winner Jessica Chastain, who assumed the role of jury president alongside a distinguished panel featuring actress Leïla Slimani and director Tarek Saleh. In her inaugural address, Chastain eloquently emphasized cinema's potent ability to instigate societal transformation. Making history, she unveiled a notably gender-balanced jury, comprising six women and three men.

The evening paid homage to Danish virtuoso Mads Mikkelsen, who clinched the festival's preeminent accolade, the Étoile d’Or, in recognition of his captivating on-screen presence in both Hollywood and European cinema. Presenting the award, fellow screen luminary Willem Dafoe lauded Mikkelsen as a "brilliant chameleon." Mikkelsen reciprocated the praise in a poignant speech, fondly recounting his early cinematic enchantment as a boy in Copenhagen.

Currently, fourteen features are contending for Mikkelsen's coveted crown, with over half being directed by women. Meanwhile, esteemed guests such as Tilda Swinton and Matt Dillon will share their filmmaking insights, solidifying Marrakech's prominent position in the cinematic spotlight for yet another year. With heightened diversity and enriching dialogue, the festival undeniably dazzles in its milestone 20th edition.