"The Marrakech International Film Festival returns for its twentieth edition this year, and we wish to pay heartfelt tribute to the victims of the tragic natural disaster that struck the region over two months ago", HRH Prince Moulay Rachid notes in a message published on the Foundation's website.

   In this world, where disasters and terrible tensions follow one after the other, "cinema stands as a bastion of peace that brings people closer together and allows for the discovery of other cultures", His Royal Highness underlines, adding that the Festival "perpetuates this tradition, with every screening, with every conversation, providing an invitation for discovery, empathy and sharing".

   The choice of Marrakech is no coincidence, HRH Prince Moulay Rachid stresses, pointing out that “historically, the magnificent Ochre City has always been a crossroads of cultures and a place of encounters and exchanges”.

   Regarding the program of this year’s edition, scheduled from November 24 to December 2, HRH Prince Moulay Rachid notes that this year "is once again distinguished by the presence of immensely talented film professionals who continue to contribute to the history of cinema with their talent”.

   Tribute will be paid to two exceptional personalities: “the legendary, greatly talented Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen, and the brilliant Moroccan director Faouzi Bensaïdi, whose films shine at the most prestigious festivals", His Royal Highness says, adding that “the esteemed jury of world-renowned personalities is chaired by actor and producer Jessica Chastain, whose magnetic aura has brought her worldwide acclaim and has seen her win the Academy Award for Best Actress” and “great names of cinema also animate the well-established ‘In Conversation With’ programme”.

   "We must also praise the Atlas Workshops, now an essential event, which hosts meetings between professionals to support African and Middle Eastern cinemas. This edition takes place under the patronage of the celebrated director and friend of the Marrakech International Film Festival, Martin Scorsese”, Hi Royal Highness notes.

   "Let us come together, on the legendary Jemaa El Fna square and in the various venues that host the many festival events, to discover the world as seen through the magical eyes of filmmakers, and to participate once again in the construction and consolidation of a world of peace and serenity”, HRH Prince Moulay Rachid concludes.