Nine personalities from nine different countries and representing five continents make up the jury for this 21st edition, chaired by Italian director Luca Guadagnino, the organizers indicate in a press release.
To decide between the films in the competition, Mr. Guadagnino will be surrounded by an exceptional jury, made up of key figures in world cinema, namely the Iranian director Ali Abbasi, the Indian director Zoya Akhtar, the American actress Patricia Arquette, the Belgian actress Virginie Efira, Australian actor Jacob Elordi, British-American actor Andrew Garfield, Moroccan actress Nadia Kounda, and Argentinian director Santiago Miter, specifies the same source.
The jury will award the Golden Star of the 21st edition to one of the 14 films in competition, after that awarded last year to “The Mother of All Lies” by Asmae El Moudir by the jury chaired by Jessica Chastain, it continued, noting that the winners will be announced during the closing ceremony of the Festival, scheduled for Saturday December 7.
A prolific director, known for his eclecticism, his taste for discovery and his great cinephilia, Luca Guadagnino has established himself over the last 15 years as one of the most brilliant filmmakers in his country, Italy, leading an international career and turning with leading actors such as Tilda Swinton, Timothée Chalamet and more recently, Zendaya and Daniel Craig.
His filmography, which mixes fiction, documentaries and a series, testifies to the immense talent of this filmmaker, who ardently films youth and desire, and to whom we owe successful films such as Call Me By Your Name and Challengers.
He added that “the first time I landed in the great city of Marrakech, it was for this extraordinary festival and from then on, this city and cinema were inseparably linked for me. My Arab DNA is powerfully anchored in the magical powers of the Marrakech Festival and it is for me an immense honor to chair the jury of this 21st edition. I am extremely looking forward to seeing all the superb films and meeting all the wonderful filmmakers who will be there.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Film Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone! Today we have the pleasure of speaking with renowned film expert Dr. Elena Torres. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Torres!
Dr. Elena Torres: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the upcoming film jury and what it means for cinema.
Editor: Absolutely! So, Luca Guadagnino has been announced as the chair of the jury for its 21st edition. What does his appointment mean for this year’s competition?
Dr. Torres: Guadagnino is known for his distinctive visual style and deep storytelling. His leadership suggests that we can expect a nuanced and compassionate evaluation of the films. He has a knack for bringing unique perspectives to the table, which could greatly benefit the selection process.
Editor: Right! And he’s surrounded by a diverse group of jury members from around the globe—spanning five continents. How important is this diversity in a jury assessing international films?
Dr. Torres: It’s incredibly important. Diversity allows for a multitude of viewpoints, which is crucial when assessing art. Each jury member brings their own cultural background and cinematic experiences, which enriches the discussions and decisions. With figures like Indian director Zoya Akhtar and American actress Patricia Arquette, we’re likely to witness a broad spectrum of insights that reflect global cinema.
Editor: Speaking of diversity, I see that the jury includes personalities like Iranian director Ali Abbasi and Australian actor Jacob Elordi. How might their backgrounds influence the films they favor?
Dr. Torres: Each juror’s cultural context shapes their interpretation of storytelling. Abbasi, with his Iranian roots, might bring a more nuanced understanding of themes like identity and displacement, while Elordi’s experience in contemporary cinema may steer him towards narratives that resonate with younger audiences. This dynamic could lead to a refreshing mix of films being highlighted during the competition.
Editor: That’s fascinating! There’s also a balance of seasoned and new talent among the jury, such as the veteran Patricia Arquette and rising star Jacob Elordi. What impact do you think this has on the selection process?
Dr. Torres: It’s a perfect blend. Veteran jurors often have an established understanding of the industry’s evolution, while newer jurors can provide insight into current trends and audience preferences. This balance can lead to a more holistic approach, ensuring that both artistic merit and contemporary relevance are considered.
Editor: It sounds like an exciting year for films! What do you believe will be the criteria for winning films, especially with such a diverse jury?
Dr. Torres: I think originality and emotional resonance will be paramount. Guadagnino has a history of celebrating films that challenge conventions, so I wouldn’t be surprised if films that push boundaries or address pressing societal issues through innovative narratives stand out. The jury’s diversity means they’ll likely appreciate a range of storytelling techniques, from traditional to avant-garde.
Editor: Those are excellent insights, Dr. Torres. As we anticipate the results of this jury’s deliberations, what are you most looking forward to in this year’s lineup?
Dr. Torres: I’m eager to see how filmmakers embrace and reflect the complexities of modern life. With global issues like climate change, migration, and social justice gaining prominence, I hope to see films that not only entertain but also provoke thought and inspire change. The combination of such diverse jury members gives me hope that the selections will be both enlightening and groundbreaking.
Editor: Thank you so much for sharing your perspectives, Dr. Torres. It’s clear this year’s jury will bring a wealth of knowledge and appreciation for global cinema!
Dr. Elena Torres: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing this with you, and I can’t wait to see how the jury’s decisions unfold!
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in! Stay tuned for more insights and updates on this year’s film competition.