The Marrakech Film Festival Reveals a Remarkably Ambitious Jury Lineup

As Marrakech prepares to welcome the 22nd edition of its International Film Festival from November 28 to December 6, 2025, the city once again positions itself at the center of global cinema. This year’s jury brings together eight exceptional voices from four continents, artists whose careers have shaped contemporary filmmaking and whose perspectives promise a rich and daring deliberation.

Presiding over the jury is South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon Ho, a visionary whose work has redefined the dialogue between auteur and mainstream cinema. From Memories of Murder to the global phenomenon Parasite, his films combine sharp social insight with a mastery of storytelling. His presence at the head of the jury sets a tone of ambition, nuance, and creative power for this edition.

He is joined by a remarkable panel representing multiple generations and artistic approaches. Brazilian director Karim Aïnouz, celebrated for The Invisible Life of Eurídice Gusmão and his bold, politically infused visual style, brings a profound cinematic sensitivity. Moroccan filmmaker Hakim Belabbes adds a deep humanist dimension, shaped by his lifelong exploration of memory, exile, and intimate narratives. French director Julia Ducournau, Palme d’Or winner for Titane, continues to push boundaries with a cinema that is visceral, innovative, and unapologetically bold.

The acting world is represented with equal strength. Iranian actor and director Payman Maadi, internationally acclaimed for A Separation, brings a career marked by emotional depth and artistic versatility. Jenna Ortega, one of the most influential rising stars of American pop culture, joins the lineup with a growing list of celebrated performances across film and television. Canadian filmmaker Celine Song, whose Past Lives captivated audiences worldwide, adds a voice defined by emotional precision and modern storytelling. Rounding out the jury is Anya Taylor-Joy, whose roles from The Queen’s Gambit to Dune: Part Two have made her one of the defining actresses of her generation.

Together, these artists will assess the 14 films competing in the Official Competition, dedicated to discovering new international talent. Their diversity of backgrounds and creative visions reflects the festival’s mission: to encourage dialogue between cultures, support emerging filmmakers, and celebrate cinema in all its forms.

The winners will be announced during the closing ceremony on Saturday, December 6, marking the end of what promises to be a milestone edition for the Marrakech International Film Festival.