Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, this new edition opened in style with the customary procession of festival attendees and emblematic figures from Moroccan and international film luminaries, who graced the red carpet to the acclaim of the public and cameras of photographers representing various Moroccan and international media.

In a festive atmosphere, the public welcomed the President of the this year's competition Jury, Italian director, screenwriter and producer Luca Guadagnino, as well as members of the Jury, namely Iranian director Ali Abbasi, Indian director Zoya Akhtar, American actress Patricia Arquette, Belgian actress Virginie Efira, Australian actor Jacob Elordi, British-American actor Andrew Garfield, Moroccan actress Nadia Kounda, and Argentine director Santiago Mitre.

On this occasion, Guadagnino expressed his deep gratitude to HM King Mohammed VI and his heartfelt thanks to HRH Prince Moulay Rachid, President of the Marrakech International Film Festival Foundation, for having contributed to the growth and influence of this cultural event, expressing his great joy at leading the jury for this new edition.

“To me, Marrakech and cinema are one and the same: the mystery of the picture, the power of editing and contrast, the beauty and overflowing force that animate the cinema I love, and which, for me, embody Marrakech and Morocco”, he emphasized.

He spoke of his “delight to share this journey with such wonderful filmmakers, many of whom are already dear friends and who I'm sure will become lifelong friends thanks to this shared experience”.

The 21st Marrakech International Film Festival was then officially opened by Guadagnino and members of the Jury.

The opening ceremony was also marked by the screening of The Order, crime thriller directed by Justin Kurzel, who returns to the Marrakech International Film Festival after winning the Jury Prize for his first film and who was a member of the jury of the 19th edition of the Festival in 2022.

At this year's event, fourteen feature-length films vying for the Étoile d’Or in the official competition.

The films are Across the Sea by Saïd Hamich Benlarbi (Myanmar, Singapore, France, Norway, South Korea, Qatar), Soudan, Remember Us by Hind Meddeb (France, Tunisia, Qatar), Under the Volcano by Damian Kocur (Poland), The Village Next to Paradise by Mo Harawe (Austria, France, Germany, Somalia), The Wolves Always Come at Night by Gabrielle Brady (Australia, Mongolia, Germany), Bound in Heaven by Huo Xin (China) and Ma-Cry of silence by The Maw Naing (Myanmar, Singapore, France, Norway, South Korea, Qatar).

Also competing are Perfumed with Mint by Muhammed Hamdy (Egypt, Qatar, Tunisia, France), Silent Storms by Dania Reymond-Boughenou (France, Belgium), One of Those Days When Hemme Dies by Murat Fıratoğlu (Turkey), Happy Holidays by Scandar Copti (Palestine, Germany, France, Italy, Qatar),The Cottage by Silvina Schnicer (Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Chile), Happyend by Neo Sora (Japan, USA) and Jane Austen wrecked my life by Laura Piani (France).

In addition to competing projects, the FIFM will present a selection of films divided into several sections,  including the official competition, gala screenings, special screenings, the 11th continent, the panorama of Moroccan cinema, young audience and family screenings, and films shown as part of the tributes.

In addition, the “Conversations” program returns this year with 18 leading figures from the film industry, from 6 continents, who are invited to share anecdotes and candid discussions about their vision and practice of the profession with festival-goers.

For this 21st edition, anticipated figures who, for mostly, secured awards at the Oscars, the Golden Globes, the Cannes Festival, the Venice Film Festival and the Berlinale, include American director, screenwriter and producer Tim Burton, Canadian director and screenwriter David Cronenberg, and Mexican director, screenwriter and producer Alfonso Cuarón.

American director and screenwriter Ava DuVernay, American director and screenwriter Todd Haynes, Australian director and screenwriter Justin Kurzel, French director and screenwriter François Ozon, and British actress Gemma Arterton will also be taking part.

The Panorama of Moroccan Cinema presents five fiction and documentary films by Moroccan directors, of which three are world or international premieres. Moroccan cinema is especially prominent this year, with a total of 12 films presented in the Festival’s various sections.

The Marrakech International Film Festival will also be paying tribute to three great figures of national and international cinema, whose contribution and influence have shaped the cinematographic landscape: the late Moroccan actress Naïma El Mcherqui,American actor and director Sean Penn and Canadian director David Cronenberg.