Jessica Chastain is set to preside over the jury of the Marrakech Film Festival which will take place Nov. 24-Dec. 2.
The festival, which generates thousands of local jobs and represents a source of pride for Moroccan people, was maintained in the wake of the deadly earthquake that hit the country in September. As such, the 20th edition will be held without festivities out of respect for victims. Chastain is one of the many A-list talent expected to attend the festival out of support for the Moroccan people.
Earlier this year, Chastain was able to attend the Venice Film Festival for Michel Franco’s “Memory,” which received an interim waiver from SAG-AFTRA.
Succeeding to Paolo Sorrentino, Chastain will lead the jury of the competition which comprises fourteen films by first- or second-time directors.
“I am honored to serve as the jury president for the esteemed Marrakech International Film Festival, marking its 20th edition this year,” said Chastain. “I am excited to return to the Festival having last attended in 2011. Being entrusted with this role is a privilege and I look forward to celebrating incredible global talent within the world of cinema.”
As previously announced, Martin Scorsese will also attend the festival to serve as official patron of the Atlas Workshops, the festival’s industry initiative which is aimed at fostering and supporting the emergence of a new generation of Moroccan, Arab, and African filmmakers. The revered director is a Marrakech festival regular. He presided over its jury in 2013 and presented an honorary tribute to Robert De Niro in 2018.
More to come...
