The 20th Edition of the Marrakech International Film Festival Unveils its Official Selection
The 20th edition of the Marrakech International Film Festival has revealed its selection, which includes a range of films, from 36 different countries. From November 24 to December 2 2023 this festival will showcase a total of 75 movies across categories such as the Official Competition, Gala Screenings, Special Screenings, the 11th Continent, Moroccan Cinema Panorama, Youth Sessions, Jemaa El Fna screenings and tribute presentations.
The Official Competition focuses on second feature films. Aims to highlight emerging talents in global cinema. Out of the 14 selected movies 10 are debut features and eight are directed by women. These films represent countries including the United States, Mongolia, Turkey; three from Latin America (Brazil, Chile, Colombia); three from Europe (Bosnia Herzegovina Kosovo and the United Kingdom); well as five from the Middle East and Africa (Madagascar Morocco Senegal Palestine).
Within this competition, for the Golden Star award these films explore a range of genres including modern fables documentaries film noir and political farce.
In the competition the 14 filmmakers tell stories of love and family that explore themes, like education, memory and their countrys history. These films paint a picture of people searching for meaning and freedom.
The 20th edition will kick off with “Hit Man,” a paced comedy directed by Richard Linklater. This exciting film combines action with comedy promising to be a hit at the end of the year thanks in part to the charismatic performance by Glen Powell.
During the festival there will be six Gala Screenings showcasing anticipated films. Matteo Garrone from Italy will present his film “Io Capitano” (I, Captain) which tells the journey of two individuals from Senegal seeking to reach Europe. Michel Franco will bring “Memory,” a film starring Jessica Chastain who also happens to be the President of this editions jury. Simon Baker from Australia will be present, with “Limbo,” a and white thriller where he takes on a transformative role. Additionally there will be three Gala Screenings dedicated to comedy including Alexander Paynes “Winter Break” (The Holdovers) which features three moving performances. Finally Moroccan director Faouzi Bensaïdi presents “Déserts,” his mystical western that explores ultraliberalism.
The Gala Screenings will wrap up with a film called “Making Of” by Cédric Kahn, which’s a social comedy that goes behind the scenes of a movie shoot featuring the charming Jonathan Cohen.
In the “Special Screenings” category there will be 16 films, on display some directed by known filmmakers like Nikolaj Arcel, Bertrand Bonello, Monia Chokri, Agnieszka Holland, Ladj Ly and Alice Rohrwacher. This selection also highlights the emerging wave of cinema with movies like Sofia Alaouis poetic fable called “Animalia ” Sudabeh Mortezais film “Europa,” and Gábor Reiszs captivating exploration of education titled “Explanation for Everything.” Isabelle Huppert and Merve Dizdar will also be present to showcase their films.
The “11th Continent” section consists of 13 fiction and documentary films that create a dialogue between works and influential classics in cinema. This collection features the creations from directors such as Kleber Mendonça Filho, Lisandro Alonso, Mona Achache as well as films by talented emerging authors.
The “Moroccan Cinema Panorama” offers an insight into six fiction and documentary productions, from the scene. It includes two world premieres; Khalid Zairis film called “Mora est là” and Hicham Lasris creation titled “Moroccan Badass Girl.”Moroccan cinema, which is widely celebrated at film events throughout the year will be, in the spotlight with a lineup of 15 films across various festival sections.
To cater to the audience there is a program called Youth Sessions designed for children and teenagers between the ages of 4 and 18. It includes 13 screenings that aim to engage and entertain them. Moreover the renowned Jemaa El Fna square will play host to a series of films presented by personalities bringing the festival right into the heart of Marrakech. Additionally there will be screenings at the Palais des congrès, Colisée cinema and Jemaa El Fna showcasing a selection of films as a tribute to festival honorees. With a total of 75 films, in this collection it promises to be an enriching experience.
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