Marrakech, Morocco – Acclaimed Danish director Thomas Vinterberg, known for his film “Another Round,” is set to chair the jury at the Marrakech International Film Festival. The announcement marks Vinterberg’s debut at the festival, an event he describes as a crucial platform for showcasing a diverse range of cultures through cinema.
With Vinterberg at the helm, the jury will deliver the prestigious Étoile d’Or award to a standout film among 14 entrants, all of which are either first or second works by their directors. The festival has a history of championing emerging talent, with last year’s top prize going to Asmae El Moudir’s “Mother of all the Lies” and the 2022 award bestowed upon Emad Aleebrahim-Dehkordi for “A Tale of Shemroon.”
Vinterberg, whose career soared with “The Celebration,” a film that garnered him a Cannes jury prize at just 28, helped usher in the influential Danish Dogme 95 movement alongside Lars von Trier in the mid-1990s. His diverse and celebrated body of work spans several genres and themes, including his recent climate change-focused TV miniseries “Families Like Ours.” This miniseries, premièred at the Venice Film Festival, explores the implications of catastrophic flooding in Denmark, highlighting Vinterberg’s knack for weaving contemporary concerns into compelling narratives.
The Marrakech Festival, now in its 21st iteration, is well-regarded for drawing the crème de la crème of global cinema talent. Scheduled from Nov. 29 to Dec. 7, this cultural showcase transforms the historic Moroccan city into a bustling hub of cinematic discussion and discovery.
In his statement, Vinterberg highlighted the vital role of film festivals in today’s fragmented world, saying, “Films can describe what cannot be explained, make us understand the unacceptable. And there is indeed a lot to understand right now.” His words underscore the power of film as a medium not only for entertainment but also for enlightenment and social commentary.
As Vinterberg prepares to lead the jury, attendees and participants of the Marrakech International Film Festival can anticipate a celebration of new voices and perspectives in the film industry, set against the backdrop of one of Morocco’s most picturesque cities. The event promises to not only highlight the ingenuity of up-and-coming filmmakers but also to foster a deeper understanding of the complex, often divisive issues facing society today.