MARRAKECH ā Film industry leaders in Marrakech attending one of the Arab world's largest film festivals emphasized Friday the importance of elevating cinema and artistic expression amid a shadow cast by Israelās war with Hamas and an earthquake that struck Morocco less than three months ago.
"In the weeks leading up to the festival, we were not sure that we would even be able to be here. The world we share is shattered and devoured," said American actor Jessica Chastain, serving as the president of the festival's jury, in a speech on the festival's opening night.
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āThroughout history, art has been used as an accessible tool for communication, raising awareness about social issues and affecting positive change," she added.
Surrounded by red carpet crowds and flashing camera lights, others agreed.
āWe know whatās happening and donāt forget it,ā said Melita Toscan Du Plantier, director of the Marrakech International Film Festival. āBut heart is important. Heart is a weapon against obscurity and against conflict. Weāre here to talk about heart, show movies and talk about directors from this region.ā
Organizers said they looked forward to showcasing cinema from Morocco, the Middle East and Africa. Throughout the week, they plan to honor Moroccan director Faouzi Bensaidi, and workshop films from throughout the region in a developmental program presided over by director Martin Scorsese.
The festival opened Friday with Richard Linklaterās action-comedy āHit Man.ā Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen was honored with a career achievement award for his films including āAnother Round," āRogue One: A Star Wars Storyā and āCasino Royale,ā in which he played a Bond villain.
The festival is expected to feature more than 70 additional films, including Michel Francoās āMemory,ā starring Chastain, and Matteo Garroneās Italian immigration drama āIo Capitano.ā
It's one of Morocco's most widely publicized international events and comes in the aftermath of an earthquake that wreaked particular havoc on the mountain communities surrounding Marrakech. Moroccan Prince Moulay Rachid, who leads the foundation responsible for the festival, called it a ābastion of peace that brings people closer together.ā
The prince said in a statement that the festival was an āinvitation for discovery, empathy and sharing."
The Marrakech International Film Festival, along with Saudi Arabiaās Red Sea Film Festival that is scheduled to open next week, are taking place as protests sweep North Africa and the Middle East, including Morocco, over the war in Gaza. Thatās in contrast to the Cairo International Film Festival and Tunisiaās Carthage Film Festival, both of which were canceled due to the war.
The festival is scheduled to run through Dec. 2.