Marrakech: The 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival has announced its official selection, showcasing a diverse range of films across several sections including the Official Competition, Gala Screenings, Horizons section, the 11th Continent, Moroccan Panorama, and Young Audiences and Families. Films will also be screened in parallel with tributes to notable film personalities.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the festival will present eight films as world or international premieres. Additionally, nine films have been supported by the Atlas workshops, the festival’s industry and talent development program. Fourteen films will represent their countries in the race for the Academy Awards.
The Official Competition features 14 first and second feature films competing for the ‚¬°toile d’or, with a jury led by filmmaker Bong Joon-ho. This year’s selection highlights politically aware cinema that addresses global injustices through intimate or historical narratives. Notable films include Meryem Benm’Barek’s “Behind the Palm Trees,” which presents a tense psychological thriller, and James J. Robinson’s “First Light,” a visually compelling moral drama.
Filmmakers explore pivotal political periods through semi-autobiographical stories, such as Shih-Han Tsao’s “Before the Bright Day,” Akinola Davies Jr.’s “My Father’s Shadow,” and Zamo Mkhwanazi’s “Laundry.” Debut features by Siyou Tan and Imran Perretta delve into teenage friendship amid political awakenings. Films like Erige Sehiri’s “Promised Sky” and Morad Mostafa’s “Aisha Can’t Fly Away” portray women forging their own paths.
Documentaries “Memory” and “My Father and Qaddafi” offer personal and historical narratives. The festival also features Oscar Hudson’s “Straight Circle” and Luca Ale±ar Iglesias’ “Forastera,” showcasing innovation in contemporary cinema.
The Gala Screenings will present nine anticipated international films. Highlights include Gus Van Sant’s “Dead Man’s Wire” and Maryam Touzani’s “Calle M¡laga.” The Tributes program will feature Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” and Jodie Foster’s “A Private Life.”
World premieres like “El Sett” and “Sophia” will spotlight Egyptian and Tunisian cinema. A gala evening will celebrate Chlo© Zhao’s “Hamnet,” while Neeraj Ghaywan’s “Homebound” will be showcased. The festival will conclude with Annemarie Jacir’s “Palestine 36.”
The Horizons section will feature 19 contemporary films, showcasing works from both new and established filmmakers. The section celebrates Arab cinema, highlighting films like Cherien Dabis’ “What’s Left of Us” and Hasan Hadi’s “The President’s Cake.”
The “11th Continent” program includes six fiction films and nine documentaries, celebrating cinema without borders. This selection features both new films and restored classics of Arab cinema.
The Moroccan Panorama Cinema will present seven films, including world or international premieres by Moroccan filmmakers. The section will spotlight a total of 15 films.
The Young Audiences and Families section offers a program for children and families, with 13 screenings. The festival will also present films by and featuring Jodie Foster and Guillermo del Toro, among others, at various venues.