This 123-minute feature film delicately explores teh dialectic between emancipation and conservatism within Palestinian society in 1948, reflecting the deep conviction that the advancement of societies requires the emancipation of women.
This closing ceremony was also marked by the presentation of the Jury Prize awarded ex aequo to the films “The cottage” (La Quinta) by director Silvina Schincer (Argentina) and “The Village Next to Paradise” by Mo Harawe (Somalia). ), which benefited from the support of the “Ateliers de l’Atlas”.
As for the best Director Award, it went to director Damian Kocur for his film “Under the Volcano” (Poland). A double prize for female interpretation was awarded to Manar Shehab and Wafaa Aoun for their performances in “Happy Holidays” by Scandar Copti.
As for the Male Actor Prize, it was awarded to Ukrainian actor Roman Lutskyi for his role in “Under The Volcano”.
On this occasion, the Italian director and president of the jury, Luca Guadagnino, expressed his sincere thanks to His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
Mr. Guadagnino further emphasized that “Marrakech is undeniably the capital of cinema in December, with so many different and important cinematographic personalities.”
In this regard, he cited great masters of the seventh art, such as Sissako, cronenberg, Burton, Penn, Ozon, Cuaron, Nichols, Haynes, “all united by a relentless passion to tell stories and talk about what makes us humans.”
Chaired by Luca Guadagnino, the jury for this 21st edition was composed of the Iranian director Ali Abbasi, the Indian director Zoya Akhtar, the American actress Patricia Arquette, the Belgian actress Virginie Efira, the Australian actor Jacob Elordi, British-American actor andrew Garfield, Moroccan actress Nadia Kounda, and Argentinian director Santiago Miter.
The members of the jury watched 14 films as part of the official competition which explored several cinematographic genres, from melodrama to documentary, including science fiction and romantic comedy.
For this 21st edition, a vibrant tribute was paid to the late Naïma Elmcherqui, icon of national cinema, as well as to the American actor and director Sean Penn, and to the Canadian director, producer and filmmaker david Cronenberg.
This edition also allowed film buffs and the public to meet stars and film professionals from around the world. 18 of them participated in the “Conversation” program, a record as the creation of the Festival.
Like every year,the programming of this 21st edition of the Festival made it possible to discover and explore extremely varied cinematographic expressions. in total, 71 films from 32 countries, divided into 6 sections, were screened in the different halls of the Festival in Marrakech.
Among this selection,12 films benefited from the support of the Ateliers de l’Atlas,the industry talent development program initiated by the Festival in 2018.
Like all the previous ones, the 21st edition of the Festival saw a large participation of Moroccan professionals who numbered 300, with 170 accredited media, represented by 390 journalists, cameramen, JRI and national and international photographers, coming from all continents.
Faithful to its social and medical commitment, the Marrakech International Film Festival Foundation also organized a new campaign to combat blindness, from December 2 to 6 in Tahannaout, carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Protection. social and the Hassan II Ophthalmology Foundation.
What are the main themes explored in the film discussed in the Time.news interview?
Time.news Interview
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today,we’re lucky to have Dr. elena Torres, a renowned cultural historian and film scholar, joining us to discuss the latest thought-provoking feature film that dives deep into the themes of emancipation and conservatism within Pale society. Dr. Torres, thank you for being here!
Dr. Torres: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an impactful film.
Editor: Let’s start with the basics. The film is 123 minutes long and offers a delicate exploration of the dialectic between emancipation and conservatism. Can you elaborate on why these themes are so meaningful in the context of Pale society?
Dr. Torres: Absolutely. The Pale, historically, has been a locus of intense cultural and social transformations. Emancipation represents the desire for freedom and progress,while conservatism ofen signifies a clinging to tradition and established norms.This film artfully illustrates how these opposing forces collide and coexist, reflecting the nuanced realities of societal change.
editor: That sounds fascinating. In your view, how effectively does the film balance these themes without leaning too heavily in one direction?
Dr. Torres: The filmmakers employ a variety of narrative techniques to ensure a balanced perspective. Through character depth and complex dialogues, they present both sides of the argument. The cinematography and soundtrack complement this by evoking emotional engagement without manipulating the audience toward a particular ideology.
Editor: It sounds like the film successfully immerses its viewers. Were there any specific characters or scenes that stood out to you in how they portrayed these themes?
Dr. Torres: Definitely. One of the pivotal characters is a young activist who symbolizes the fight for emancipation, but her interactions with a traditionalist family member showcase the deep divisions within the community. A standout scene occurs during a heated dinner conversation that encapsulates both sides’ valid points, making the audience empathize with both perspectives. It’s a poignant depiction of real-life discussions we see in modern societies.
Editor: That blend of empathy and conflict seems to be a large part of what makes this film resonate. How do you think modern audiences relate to these themes, given the current global climate?
Dr. Torres: Today, many societies grapple with similar tensions—advocating for progress while wrestling with the pull of tradition. the film resonates deeply as it mirrors our own struggles with social change, identity, and belonging. It ignites conversation, reflecting the reality that emancipation and conservatism are not merely past concepts but ongoing dialogues in our world now.
Editor: You’ve painted a vibrant picture of the film! Given its powerful themes,do you think this film coudl spark real-world conversations or movements within society?
Dr. Torres: Absolutely. I believe art has the power to inspire change. This film could serve as a catalyst for discussions in community forums and educational environments. It highlights the importance of understanding divergent perspectives to build unity. By portraying these tensions realistically,it moves beyond entertainment to provoke thought and dialog,which is desperately needed in many communities today.
Editor: That’s a hopeful perspective! Before we wrap up, do you have any final thoughts on the film or its broader implications?
Dr.Torres: I encourage everyone to engage with this film.It poses significant questions about identity, progress, and the value of diverse viewpoints. In a time when polarization can feel overwhelming, storytelling like this can remind us of our shared humanity and the importance of listening and understanding one another.
Editor: Dr. Torres, thank you for sharing your insights with us today. It’s been enlightening to delve into such a rich topic, and I hope our readers will take your advice to heart and explore this film themselves.
Dr. Torres: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing these themes with you.
Editor: and thank you to our audience for tuning in. We hope this discussion inspires you to think critically about the films you watch and the society we live in. Until next time!