The 21st edition of the Marrakech International Film Festival ended with the coronation of Happy Holidays by Scandar Copti, marking an exceptional celebration of world cinema through awards, tributes and unique initiatives.
The Marrakech International Film Festival concluded its 21e edition with the consecration of the Palestinian film Happy Holidaysdirected by Scandar Copti. This poignant drama, which explores the complex relationships between generations, cultures and genders, won the Gold Star. The film also won a double Best Actress Award, awarded to Manar Shehab and Wafaa Aoun for their remarkable performances.
A distinguished track record
The jury prize was awarded ex aequo to The Fifth (“The Cottage”) by Silvina Schnicer (Argentina) and The Village Next to Paradise by Mo Harawe (Somalia), the latter coming from the Ateliers de l’Atlas. The directing prize went to Damian Kocur for Under the Volcano (Poland), while Roman Lutskyi received the Best Actor Award for his role in the same film.
Tributes to emblematic figures of cinema
The edition paid a vibrant tribute to the late Naïma Elmcherqui, a notable figure in Moroccan cinema, with an evening of emotion and memories. Sean Penn, sacred monster of world cinema, received the Gold Star and delivered a powerful speech encouraging artistic engagement. David Cronenberg was also honored for his outstanding cinematic legacy.
Enriching meetings with film stars
The “Conversation” program brought together 18 international personalities, such as Alfonso Cuarón, Ava DuVernay, Tim Burton and François Ozon, for exciting exchanges with the public, particularly young filmmakers. These meetings allowed for debates and the sharing of unique experiences.
The Atlas Workshops: a springboard for emerging talents
The 7th edition of the Atlas Workshops brought together 340 international professionals around 27 projects, including 10 Moroccan. Among the awards, the Atlas prize for post-production was awarded to:
Aisha Can’t Fly Away by Morad Mostafa (Egypt) – €25,000
Chronicles from the Siege by Abdullah al-Khatib (Palestine) – 20,000 €
It’s a Sad and Beautiful World by Cyril Aris (Lebanon) – €10,000
Bards by Tala Hadid (Morocco) – €5,000
The Atlas Development Prize rewarded:
Princess Téné Fabien Dao (Burkina Faso) – 30.000 €
Lucky by Linda Lô (Senegal) – €20,000
Samir, spy in spite of himself by Charlotte Rabat (Syria) – €5,000
Here rests by Moly Kane (Senegal) – €5,000
The ArteKino International prize was awarded to the project Alicante by Lina Soualem (Algeria), produced by Omar el-Kadi (Lebanon) and Nadia Turincev (France).
Strengthened social commitment
The Festival continued its social action with a campaign against blindness, carried out in the Al-Haouz region, offering medical consultations, glasses and treatments to vulnerable populations, particularly children.
An edition marked by resounding success
With a record participation of 40,000 spectators, 300 Moroccan professionals and international media coverage, this edition celebrated diversity and cinematographic excellence, confirming the central role of the Marrakech Festival in the influence of the 7e art.
Driven by moving tributes, a glorious track record and major social and cultural initiatives, the 2024 Marrakech International Film Festival has established itself as an essential platform for world cinema talents.
