Marrakech, Morocco – Esteemed Danish director Thomas Vinterberg has been appointed the president of the jury for the upcoming 21st edition of the Marrakech International Film Festival, scheduled to take place from November 29 to December 7. Vinterberg, renowned for his Oscar-winning film “Another Round,” will lead the jury in awarding the prestigious Étoile d’Or from a selection of 14 first and second films.
Vinterberg’s involvement with the Marrakech festival is not new; he has been a part of its fabric previously. Notably, in 2015 he served on the jury under the leadership of legendary director Francis Ford Coppola. His close ties with the festival and his familiarity with its objectives and audience bring a seasoned perspective to this year’s festivities.
The Marrakech International Film Festival has always served as a significant platform for cultural exchange and showcasing new filmmaking talents. The festival’s focus on first and second films underscores its commitment to nurturing emerging filmmakers. Recent winners of the Étoile d’Or, such as Asmae El Moudir and Emad Aleebrahim-Dehkordi, highlight the festival’s role in propelling new voices onto the global stage.
Reflecting on the importance of film festivals, Vinterberg expressed, “In a world that’s rapidly changing and growing more divided, film festivals like Marrakech play a crucial role in opening windows to diverse cultures.” He further emphasized the power of cinema to articulate the ineffable and foster understanding among disparate groups, noting that “films can describe what cannot be explained, making us understand the unacceptable.”
Additionally, Marrakech’s recognition of Danish cinema further cements Vinterberg’s relationship with the festival. The festival previously celebrated Vinterberg’s long-time collaborator Mads Mikkelsen with an honorary career achievement award, acknowledging the depth and vitality of Danish contributions to international cinema.
Vinterberg’s illustrious career includes pioneering the Danish Dogme 95 movement with filmmaker Lars von Trier, marking a significant shift toward simplifying movie production and focusing on traditional values of story, acting, and theme. Among his other notable works are films like “The Celebration,” “It’s All About Love,” and “The Commune,” all of which have received international acclaim and showcased Vinterberg’s versatile directorial skills.
Beyond cinema, Vinterberg has made his mark in other art forms, having directed critically acclaimed plays for Austria’s national Burgtheater Wien and created music videos for prominent bands such as Blur and Metallica. His cross-medium work has consistently drawn sold-out audiences across Europe, reflecting his broad appeal and artistic impact.
Vinterberg’s recent project, a mini-series titled “Families Like Ours,” premiered in Venice and was released in Denmark this October, marking another milestone in his expanding repertoire.
As Vinterberg prepares to take on his role at the 21st Marrakech International Film Festival, his leadership is expected to bring a fresh yet experienced perspective to the jury’s deliberations. His comprehensive understanding of film as a medium that transcends cultural boundaries will undoubtedly influence this year’s festival and its celebration of new filmmaking talents.