Luca Guadagnino Replaces Thomas Vinterberg as Marrakech Festival Jury President With Andrew Garfield, Patricia Arquette, Jacob Elordi as Jurors

As a cinephile with a penchant for cross-cultural storytelling, I find myself deeply moved by Luca Guadagnino’s appointment as the president of the jury at the Marrakech International Film Festival. His personal connection to Morocco, nurtured by his Algerian mother and reinforced by the festival, adds a layer of authenticity that resonates profoundly with me.


Luca Guadagnino has taken on the role as head of the jury for the upcoming Marrakech International Film Festival, stepping in for Thomas Vinterberg who had to withdraw due to personal family matters, as stated by the festival.

The festival has revealed that Guadagnino will be accompanied by a stellar team of jurors which includes: the Iranian filmmaker Ali Abbasi, the Indian director Zoya Akhtar, the American actress Patricia Arquette, the Belgian actor Virginie Efira, the Australian actor Jacob Elordi, the British-American actor Andrew Garfield, the Moroccan actor Nadia Kounda, and the Argentine director Santiago Mitre.

The very first time I stepped into Marrakech remains etched in my memory – over 20 years ago now, when I visited as a guest of Valentina Cervi, who was serving on the jury for the short film competition,” Guadagnino recalled.

He had never visited Morocco prior, but his Algerian mother spent her childhood there and relocated to Casablanca at the age of five. The first time I stepped foot in Marrakech was due to this extraordinary festival, and ever since then, for me, the city and cinema have been inextricably linked, he stated.

The essence of my Arab heritage deeply resonates with the vibrant energy of the Marrakech Festival, and it’s a profound privilege to head an outstanding jury for its 21st edition. I am incredibly excited to witness the exceptional films and meet the talented filmmakers who are part of this year’s event,” Guadagnino commented. It’s worth mentioning that his upcoming movie “Queer,” featuring Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey, is set to hit U.S. screens on November 27th.

The upcoming 21st festival, closely linked with renowned international filmmakers, will take place from November 29th to December 7th in the historic Moroccan city.

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2024-11-07 11:16