The lights of the Red City are burning brighter than usual this week. The 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival officially opened its doors on Friday with a surge of electric energy. Oscar winning director Bong Joon Ho leads a jury that perfectly mixes cinema legends with the biggest stars of the new generation. This year feels different as the festival embraces a bold collision of classic Hollywood glamour and fresh Gen Z power.
Crowds gathered outside the Palais des Congrès to catch a glimpse of the jury. The lineup includes “Wednesday” star Jenna Ortega and “Furiosa” actress Anya Taylor-Joy alongside the acclaimed Korean director. The energy in the room shifted noticeably when Bong took the stage.
“My 22 year old self was brimming with energy and passion for cinema,” Bong told the audience during the opening ceremony. He drew a beautiful parallel between his own youth and the festival entering its 22nd year.
A Jury That Bridges Generations And Genres
This year offers one of the most diverse juries in the history of the festival. Festival president Mélita Toscan du Plantier has curated a group that speaks to every kind of movie lover. You have the deep experience of directors like Bong Joon Ho and the magnetic pull of younger stars.
The 2025 Jury lineup includes:
- Bong Joon Ho: President and director of “Parasite”
- Jenna Ortega: Star of the global hit “Wednesday”
- Anya Taylor-Joy: Known for “The Queen’s Gambit” and “Furiosa”
- Julia Ducournau: French director of “Titane”
- Celine Song: Director of the Oscar nominated “Past Lives”
They will decide who wins the prestigious Étoile d’Or award. The jury held their first press conference on Saturday morning. The chemistry between them was instant and visible. It is rare to see such a mix of commercial power and arthouse credibility sitting at the same table.
Bong Joon Ho received a massive standing ovation before he even spoke a word. He explained that he feels a special buzz in Marrakech that reminds him of his days as a hungry film student. This connection set a warm and inviting tone for the week ahead.
marrakech film festival opening ceremony stage lights 2025
Stars Speak Out On AI And The Future Of Art
The conversation quickly turned to serious topics affecting the industry. Artificial Intelligence remains a major concern for creatives around the world. The jury did not shy away from addressing the technology during their press conference.
Jenna Ortega delivered one of the most powerful statements of the morning. She spoke about the need for human imperfection in art. Her words resonated deeply with the journalists in the room.
“There is beauty in difficulty and there is beauty in mistakes. A computer cannot do that. A computer has no soul.”
— Jenna Ortega, Jury Member
This sentiment reflects a growing pushback against automated content in Hollywood. Ortega suggested that these confusing times are actually pushing artists to wake up. She believes creators are becoming more protective of their craft.
The discussion highlighted why festivals like Marrakech are vital. They celebrate the human touch in storytelling that no algorithm can replicate.
Jodie Foster Receives Emotional Tribute From Peers
Saturday night belonged to cinema icon Jodie Foster. The two time Oscar winner received a special tribute award to honor her six decades in the business. Bong Joon Ho presented the award to her after a highlight reel played on the big screen.
The reel featured clips from “Taxi Driver” and “The Silence of the Lambs.” Foster watched with a smile as her life on screen played out before her. She gave a speech that was both humble and humorous.
Foster joked about the cyclical nature of the film industry. She noted that she started in the 1960s and saw the golden age of the 70s. “Now we are back in the 1970s again,” she said with a laugh.
The night featured a surprise guest on screen. Director Martin Scorsese sent a video message that clearly moved Foster. He recalled her walking into his office when she was just a child.
Scorsese said she had “more pull than anyone else in the studio” even at eight years old. The emotional connection between the two legends brought tears to many in the audience. It was a reminder of how deep the history of cinema runs at this festival.
Global Cinema Takes Center Stage In Competition
While the stars grab the headlines, the movies remain the heartbeat of the event. The Official Competition includes thirteen first and second features. These films are fighting for the top prize.
Artistic Director Rémi Bonhomme has selected films that are politically aware. He noted a trend where young filmmakers are exploring history through personal stories. They are not shouting their messages but delivering them with subtle power.
Key Premieres to Watch:
| Film Title | Director | Key Theme |
|---|---|---|
| Dead Man’s Wire | Gus Van Sant | Satire on media and capitalism |
| Frankenstein | Guillermo del Toro | Gothic horror with Jacob Elordi |
| Hamnet | Chloé Zhao | Grief inspiring art |
| Behind the Palm Trees | Meryem Benm’Barek | Class relations and legacy |
Guillermo del Toro is unveiling his highly anticipated take on “Frankenstein.” The film stars Jacob Elordi and Christoph Waltz. It is one of the hottest tickets in town.
Another major draw is “Hamnet” by Chloé Zhao. The film explores the loss of a child and how it inspired the play “Hamlet.” These gala screenings prove that Marrakech has become a major launchpad for Oscar contenders.
The festival also shines a spotlight on emerging voices from the Arab world and Africa. The “Horizons” section features nineteen films from major directors. This mix of big budget Hollywood and intimate world cinema is what makes Marrakech unique.
The 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival has started with high emotion and high stakes. From the wisdom of Jodie Foster to the fresh perspective of Jenna Ortega, the event is capturing the current moment in pop culture. The festival runs through December 6 when the jury will announce the winner. We are witnessing a celebration that honors the past while looking firmly at the future.
What do you think about Jenna Ortega’s comments on AI in movies? Do you agree that computers lack the soul to create true art? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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