Hollywood actors Jeff Goldblum and John Turturro, alongside ‘Knives Out’ director Rian Johnson, will participate in the festival’s Conversations series at the 23rd Marrakech Film Festival, taking place November 20‑28.
Additional cinematic luminaries slated to appear include actress Monica Bellucci and directors James Gray, Luca Guadagnino, Cristian Mungiu, Laïla Marrakchi, Xavier Dolan, Arthur Harari, and actor‑director Gilles Lellouche.
The festival noted that the Conversations would provide a comprehensive overview of the sensibilities shaping contemporary cinema, highlighting diverse approaches—from major Hollywood productions to intimate personal narratives, genre films to nuanced dramas—that examine society and engage audiences.
In a separate announcement on Monday, the festival stated it would honor Jeff Goldblum, John Turturro and Moroccan actor Younès Mégri during the event.
Goldblum, whose filmography includes David Cronenberg’s ‘The Fly’ and Jon M. Chu’s ‘Wicked,’ said, “It is a tremendous honor and privilege to be recognized at the iconic Marrakech International Film Festival. This captivating city, with its deep storytelling heritage and craftsmanship, feels truly special, and I am eager to embark on this adventure.”
Turturro, known for Spike Lee’s ‘Do the Right Thing’ and the Coen brothers’ ‘The Big Lebowski,’ said, “It is especially meaningful to have my work celebrated in a location with such rich cultural history and profound appreciation for storytelling, as cinema uniquely brings us together, offers insight into other worlds, and reminds us of our shared humanity.”
Turturro’s latest film, ‘The Only Living Pickpocket in New York,’ will be screened at the festival.
Mégri, who began his career as a singer and composer, said, “I did not abandon music for film; I merely changed instruments. This tribute in Marrakech shows the audience heard the same sincerity in both mediums, which moves me deeply.”
His international projects include ‘The Miracles of Jesus’ by Jean‑Claude Bragard, ‘The Government Inspector’ by Peter Kosminsky, ‘Laila, la pure’ by Gabriel Axel, ‘David’ by Robert Markowitz, and ‘Marie de Nazareth’ by Jean Delannoy.