Academy Award-winning actress Jessica Chastain has been announced as the jury president for the 20th edition of the Marrakech International Film Festival, scheduled to take place from November 24 to December 2.
Taking over from Paolo Sorrentino, Chastain will lead the jury responsible for evaluating fourteen films directed by first or second-time directors.
In a statement, Chastain expressed her honor at being chosen as the jury president and her excitement to return to the Marrakech International Film Festival, having last attended in 2011. She emphasized her privilege in this role and her anticipation of celebrating global talent in the world of cinema.
Chastain, known for her award-winning performance in “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” is not only an actress but also an activist and producer. Her production company, Freckle Films, is behind projects like “Memory,” “The 355,” and “George & Tammy.” She is also developing series adaptations of novels like “His and Hers” by Alice Feeney and “The School for Good Mothers” by Jessamine Chan.
Veteran filmmaker Martin Scorsese will also be part of the festival and will provide guidance and knowledge to emerging directors in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. Scorsese will serve as the official patron for the festival’s Atlas Workshops, where he will interact with young filmmakers and offer his insights.
This year’s Atlas Workshop participants will be known as the “Class of Martin Scorsese.” The Marrakech International Film Festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and Scorsese’s involvement adds to the excitement surrounding the event.
