Marrakech: As a guest on the flagship program “Conversations” during the 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival, Kramer highlighted the major contribution of this grand celebration of the 7th Art to the promotion of the global film industry, expressing his admiration for the films screened as part of this year’s official competition, particularly those representing Africa and the Middle East, which he believes add significant value to the global film landscape.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, a large proportion of the productions competing for the Oscar for Best International Feature Film come from Africa and the Middle East, he said during the meeting, which was moderated by the Festival Foundation’s Deputy Vice President, Fa§al Larai¨chi.

Kramer also highlighted the importance of the “Atlas Workshops” program, organized by the Festival for emerging filmmakers, describing it as a valuable opportunity for young talents to hone their skills, benefit from high-quality support from seasoned professionals, and advance their projects.

Such programs are likely to create “direct bridges” between young talent and pioneers in the film industry, thereby forming a new generation of filmmakers capable of distinguishing themselves in this field, he said.

In this regard, he called on young film students to watch as many films as possible during the Festival, believing that the Oscar nominations would enable these productions to reach a new and wider audience around the world.

Kramer also noted that his visit to Morocco was part of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ efforts to open up to filmmakers from around the world, adding that the Academy, which now has more than 11,000 members, has become a global organization that values the diversity of its members and nominated films.