The 23rd Marrakech International Film Festival, scheduled to take place from November 20 to 28, 2026, has announced its lineup of films for the "Celebratory Screenings" section. This section will feature a diverse range of international productions, including films from Hollywood, Europe, and the Arab world. The festival will showcase a mix of genres, including black comedy, thriller, social drama, and family drama, as well as two world premieres.
The festival will open with the film "Monica, The Beginning" directed by American actor and director Jesse Eisenberg, starring Julianne Moore. The film tells the story of a housewife who discovers her passion for amateur theater, leading to a transformation in her relationship with herself and the world around her. The choice of this film to open the festival has a special artistic significance, given its themes of self-discovery and the power of art to change personal trajectories.
Another highlight of the Celebratory Screenings is the film "Laila and the Night" directed by Felipe Barbosa, which will have its world premiere at the festival. The film is inspired by the life of Moroccan photographer Laila Aloui, who was known for her work on human identity and migration. The film stars French-Moroccan actor Rachedi Zem and French actress Marina Foïs.
The festival will also feature the film "Ahmed Helmy and Hind Sabri" directed by Omar Hilal, which brings together two of the biggest stars in Arab cinema for the first time on the big screen. The film is a black comedy-thriller that explores themes of identity and social relationships. Other films featured in the Celebratory Screenings include "The Last Thief in New York" directed by Noah Segan, starring John Turturro, and "Toto of the Earth" directed by Leïla Merrakchi.
The Moroccan film "Toto of the Earth" has been selected to represent Morocco in the race for the Oscars. The film explores themes of dignity, resilience, and survival through the story of a group of seasonal workers in Spain. American director James Gray will also present his new film "Paper Tiger", which combines elements of thriller and family melodrama.
The Celebratory Screenings section also includes the film "Artificial" directed by Luca Guadagnino, which tells the story of Sam Altman, one of the founders of OpenAI, and his rise in the world of artificial intelligence. The film stars Andrew Garfield and explores the intersection of technology and society.
The 23rd Marrakech International Film Festival promises to be an exciting event, showcasing a diverse range of international productions and highlighting the best of Moroccan and Arab cinema. The festival's Celebratory Screenings section is set to feature some of the most highly anticipated films of the year, with a mix of genres and themes that are sure to appeal to a wide range of audiences.
Key points
- The festival will feature a range of international productions, including films from Hollywood, Europe, and the Arab world.
- The Celebratory Screenings section will include two world premieres, including "Laila and the Night" and "Ahmed Helmy and Hind Sabri".
- The festival will also feature a range of Moroccan films, including "Toto of the Earth", which has been selected to represent Morocco in the race for the Oscars.
