Marrakech International Film Festival to showcase 70 films from 32 countries in its 21st edition

The 21^st Marrakech International Film Festival, scheduled from 29^th November to 7^th December 2024, will feature a diverse selection of 70 films from 32 countries. Hosted in Marrakech, the festival aims to highlight emerging cinematic talents by presenting a variety of genres, including melodramas, documentaries, comedies, and more, in its Official Competition and other sections such as Gala Screenings and Special Screenings.

The Official Competition will focus on 14 first and second feature films from new filmmakers worldwide. Among the entries are Saïd Hamich Benlarbi’s Across the Sea, a narrative on love and exile, and Hind Meddeb’s documentary Sudan, Remember Us, which portrays the resilience of Sudanese youth. Other notable films include Damian Kocur’s Under the Volcano, exploring the crisis in Ukraine, and Mo Harawe’s The Village Next to Paradise, set against the backdrop of Somalia.

This year’s festival will also include films that address significant social issues. Huo Xin’s Bound in Heaven addresses domestic violence in China, while Gabrielle Brady’s documentary The Wolves Always Come at Night examines the impact of climate change in Mongolia. The competition also includes films from new directors like Muhammed Hamdy with Perfumed with Mint, an exploration of Egyptian history, and Dania Reymond-Boughenou’s Silent Storms, premiering internationally at the festival.

The Gala Screenings section includes highly anticipated films such as Walter Salles’s I’m Still Here, a poignant family drama set during Brazil’s military dictatorship, and David Cronenberg’s personal science fiction work The Shrouds. Additionally, the Special Screenings segment will present 15 contemporary films by acclaimed directors and promising new talents, featuring a range of genres and themes from various global perspectives.

The festival’s 11th Continent program includes 13 innovative films that challenge traditional cinematic boundaries, and the Moroccan Panorama showcases local talent with five films, including three premieres.

Luca Guadagnino, celebrated for his eclectic and intense cinematic style, will preside over the jury, which includes figures from across the global film industry including Iranian director Ali Abbasi, Indian filmmaker Zoya Akhtar, American actor Patricia Arquette, Belgian actor Virginie Efira, Australian actor Jacob Elordi, British-American actor Andrew Garfield, Moroccan actor Nadia Kounda, and Argentine director Santiago Mitre. The jury will select the winner of the Étoile d’Or from the films in the Official Competition.

The festival not only serves as a platform for showcasing global cinema but also supports the development of film industry talents through initiatives like the Atlas Workshops. With its broad array of films and programs, the Marrakech International Film Festival continues to be a significant event in the international film calendar, promoting cultural exchange and the appreciation of diverse cinematic expressions.

The editorial unit

For further information about Marrakech Film Festival visit their website here.

Check out our coverage of the 2023 edition here, the 2022 edition here and the 2018 edition here.