Film industry leaders in Marrakech attending one of the Arab world’s largest film festivals emphasized Friday the importance of elevating cinema and artistic expression amid a shadow cast by Israel’s war with Hamas and an earthquake that struck Morocco less than three months ago.
Quick Read
- Emphasis on Artistic Expression: The Marrakech Film Festival, one of the Arab world’s largest, highlighted the role of cinema in uplifting artistic voices during challenging times, including the recent Israel-Hamas war and an earthquake in Morocco.
- Jessica Chastain’s Opening Speech: American actress Jessica Chastain, the festival’s jury president, spoke about the transformative power of art in troubled times.
- Acknowledgement of Global Events: Festival director Melita Toscan Du Plantier stressed the importance of heart and compassion in the face of global conflicts and tragedies.
- Focus on Regional Cinema: The festival aims to showcase films from Morocco, the Middle East, and Africa, including a tribute to Moroccan director Faouzi Bensaidi and a film workshop led by Martin Scorsese.
- Opening Film and Honors: The festival opened with Richard Linklater’s “Hit Man” and honored Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen for his cinematic achievements.
- Extensive Film Lineup: Over 70 films are set to be featured, including “Memory” starring Jessica Chastain and “Io Capitano” by Matteo Garrone.
- Post-Earthquake Context: The festival occurs in the aftermath of an earthquake that affected areas around Marrakech, with an emphasis on solidarity and peace.
- Prince Moulay Rachid’s Statement: Moroccan Prince Moulay Rachid, who oversees the festival, emphasized its role as a “bastion of peace” promoting empathy and unity.
- Contrast with Other Film Festivals: Unlike the Cairo International Film Festival and Tunisia’s Carthage Film Festival, which were canceled due to the war in Gaza, the Marrakech and Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Festivals are proceeding.
- Festival Duration: The Marrakech International Film Festival runs until December 2, offering a platform for film and cultural exchange during a time of regional and global upheaval.
The Associated Press has the story:
Marrakech kicks off one of the largest Arab World’s Film Festivals
Newslooks- MARRAKECH, Morocco (AP)
Film industry leaders in Marrakech attending one of the Arab world’s largest film festivals emphasized Friday the importance of elevating cinema and artistic expression amid a shadow cast by Israel’s war with Hamas and an earthquake that struck Morocco less than three months ago.
“In the weeks leading up to the festival, we were not sure that we would even be able to be here. The world we share is shattered and devoured,” said American actor Jessica Chastain, serving as the president of the festival’s jury, in a speech on the festival’s opening night.
“Throughout history, art has been used as an accessible tool for communication, raising awareness about social issues and affecting positive change,” she added.
Surrounded by red carpet crowds and flashing camera lights, others agreed.
“We know what’s happening and don’t forget it,” said Melita Toscan Du Plantier, director of the Marrakech International Film Festival. “But heart is important. Heart is a weapon against obscurity and against conflict. We’re here to talk about heart, show movies and talk about directors from this region.”
Organizers said they looked forward to showcasing cinema from Morocco, the Middle East and Africa. Throughout the week, they plan to honor Moroccan director Faouzi Bensaidi, and workshop films from throughout the region in a developmental program presided over by director Martin Scorsese.
The festival opened Friday with Richard Linklater’s action-comedy “Hit Man.” Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen was honored with a career achievement award for his films including “Another Round,” “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” and “Casino Royale,” in which he played a Bond villain.
The festival is expected to feature more than 70 additional films, including Michel Franco’s “Memory,” starring Chastain, and Matteo Garrone’s Italian immigration drama “Io Capitano.”
It’s one of Morocco’s most widely publicized international events and comes in the aftermath of an earthquake that wreaked particular havoc on the mountain communities surrounding Marrakech. Moroccan Prince Moulay Rachid, who leads the foundation responsible for the festival, called it a “bastion of peace that brings people closer together.”
The prince said in a statement that the festival was an “invitation for discovery, empathy and sharing.”
The Marrakech International Film Festival, along with Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Festival that is scheduled to open next week, are taking place as protests sweep North Africa and the Middle East, including Morocco, over the war in Gaza. That’s in contrast to the Cairo International Film Festival and Tunisia’s Carthage Film Festival, both of which were canceled due to the war.
The festival is scheduled to run through Dec. 2.
