The 22nd edition of the prestigious Marrakech International Film Festival officially kicked off on Friday night, November 29, 2025, transforming the Moroccan city into a global hub for cinema. The grand opening ceremony was a star-studded affair, setting the stage for a week dedicated to the celebration of filmmaking.
A Glittering Opening and a Presidential Welcome
The festival commenced with the highly anticipated screening of Gus Van Sant's latest crime thriller, 'Dead Man Wire'. The event was attended by a constellation of international celebrities, including the festival's jury president, Oscar-winning director Bong Joon Ho, and popular actors Jenna Ortega and Anya Taylor-Joy.
Bong Joon Ho, whose film 'Parasite' made history by winning the Academy Award for Best Picture, was greeted with a resounding standing ovation as he took the stage. Reflecting on his journey, he shared anecdotes from his early days, revealing an undimmed passion for the art form. "I was greedily devouring movies as a student of cinema. Looking back, my 22-year-old self was brimming with energy and passion for cinema. I feel that Marrakech is also buzzing with a special energy as it enters its 22nd year," Bong remarked. He is also scheduled to deliver a masterclass during the festival.
Spotlight on the Jury and Opening Film
This year's competition jury is a powerful ensemble of global talent. Presided over by Bong Joon Ho, the panel includes a diverse mix of actors and directors. The members are Jenna Ortega (Wednesday), Anya Taylor-Joy (Furiosa), filmmaker Celine Song (Past Lives), Palme d'Or winner Julia Ducournau (Titane), Brazilian director Karim Ainouz, Moroccan filmmaker Hakim Belabbes, and Iranian-American actor-director Payman Maadi.
The opening film, 'Dead Man's Wire', which had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, features Bill Skarsgard in the lead role. He portrays the real-life criminal Tony Kiritsis, who in 1977 infamously kidnapped his bank mortgage holder and led police on a dramatic chase. The film is set for a limited theatrical release on January 9, 2026, followed by a worldwide expansion on January 16, 2026.
Tributes and Festival Highlights
The opening night also featured a moving tribute to the legendary 85-year-old Egyptian actor, Hussein Fahmi. The audience gave him a massive round of applause as a reel of his iconic performances in films like "Watch Out for Zuzu" (1972) and "Alexandria Again and Forever" (1990) was screened. Fahmi was visibly emotional as he shook hands with each jury member amidst continuous cheers.
The Marrakech Film Festival will continue to run until December 6, 2025. The upcoming days are packed with events, including special tributes to acclaimed filmmakers Jodie Foster and Guillermo del Toro, alongside screenings of their latest works. The festival will also host conversations with a roster of cinematic luminaries such as Kleber Mendonca Filho, 'The Matrix' star Laurence Fishburne, Palme d'Or winner Jafar Panahi, and 'Blonde' director Andrew Dominik, promising an enriching experience for cinephiles.
