As I stand in awe of Luca Guadagnino, the esteemed filmmaker and jury president at the Marrakech Film Festival, I can’t help but be captivated by his profound connection to this vibrant city and its rich cultural tapestry. His personal ties to Morocco, traced through his Algerian mother’s roots, resonate deeply with me, as if we were kindred spirits bound by the shared language of cinema.
At the start of the Marrakech Film Festival last Friday (November 29), Luca Guadagnino, the festival’s jury president, delivered a heartfelt speech in French, discussing his roots in North Africa.
Standing alongside fellow jury members like Jacob Elordi and Andrew Garfield, Guadagnino shared an emotional, melodious address, disclosing his personal connection to Morocco.
Guadagnino explained that his mother is Algerian and was raised in Casablanca. Since she was half-Moroccan, it makes me half-Moroccan as well,” stated Guadagnino, who will be part of the jury selecting films for the Etoile d’Or Prize at the festival. The jury will screen first and second features in competition over the course of a weeklong event.
To this filmmaker, Marrakech and cinema are inseparable. The intrigue of an image, the strength of editing, the contrast, the stunning beauty, and the captivating energy that defines my favorite films, all reflect Marrakech and Morocco.
In 2002, I found myself in Marrakech for the first time, accompanying a friend as part of the short film jury. The warmth and hospitality of this city left an indelible impression on me – it was as if I had reconnected with my deepest sense of belonging there.
The bold director’s recent film titled “Queer” had its first screening at the Venice Film Festival to positive critiques, and it may earn Daniel Craig an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of a gay American expat in 1950s Mexico City. The movie from A24 studio is adapted from William S. Burroughs’ 1985 novel.
As I find myself at Marrakech Film Festival, I’m excited to fulfill my jury duty alongside familiar faces. Specifically, I’m thrilled to be reunited with Timothée Chalamet, whom I recently directed in “After The Hunt,” and we also share the screen with Julia Roberts. It’s equally delightful to see Charlie Conrad Elordi, with whom I previously collaborated on the Chanel campaign, “See You At 5.” There are even whispers that he might star in my upcoming project, “American Psycho.” Known for keeping a low profile, Charlie graced the red carpet, but mostly greeted journalists from afar with warm smiles.
Alongside “Apprentice” filmmaker Ali Abbasi, the remaining members of the Marrakech jury are equally esteemed, including actress Patricia Arquette, Indian director Zoya Akhtar, Belgian actor Virginie Efira, Moroccan actor Nadia Kounda, and Argentine director Santiago Mitre.
Abbasi stated, ‘The U.S. seems to have returned to an era similar to McCarthyism. We’re experiencing a return to the 1950s.’ He clarified, ‘While I don’t believe the world is coming to an end due to Trump becoming President, it doesn’t mean I won’t continue to be critical of him.’
Regarding its lineup of talented artists, this year’s Marrakech Film Festival is its largest to date, spearheaded by the relentless French film industry titan Melita Toscan du Plantier. On stage, Guadagnino affectionately referred to her as “the reigning queen of filmmakers.” He also expressed gratitude towards Her Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco, as well as Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, for their warm welcome.
Beyond just the jury members, Toscan du Plantier extended invitations to filmmakers like Justine Triet, Tim Burton, David Cronenberg, Sean Penn, Alfonso Cuaron, Ava DuVernay, and Justin Kurzel, among others. They will all participate in masterclasses, which are complimentary and open for public attendance. During the opening ceremony, Triet, Cuaron, Burton, and Cronenberg were present.
After the opening ceremony, Justin Kurzel’s political thriller “The Order” was screened, featuring Jude Law as an FBI agent battling neo-Nazi terrorists. Upon introducing the film, Kurzel (who appeared with his producer Stuart Ford) acknowledged that classic American films by Sidney Lumet and William Friedkin served as major sources of inspiration.
Kurzel appreciates the approach taken with these movies’ genre. He finds that they were made more realistic and gave complexity to the main characters, showcasing their flaws. According to him, Law’s role in ‘The Order’ echoes iconic characters from the past.” Kurzel has a strong connection with Marrakech, as he won the jury prize for his 2011 debut film, “Snowtown”.
Under the guidance of Remi Bonhomme, the 21st installment of this festival is set to showcase approximately 70 movies hailing from 32 distinct nations, with a focus on 12 productions originating from Morocco.
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2024-11-30 02:17