Marrakech Festival to Open With Julianne Moore Drama

Jesse Eisenberg’s “The Debut” will open the 23rd Marrakech International Film Festival. The film stars Julianne Moore as a shy housewife who takes on a leading role in a community theater musical. In the story, her character transforms into a zealous Method actor. Both Eisenberg and Moore are expected to attend the out-of-competition gala screening.

The festival runs from Nov. 20 to 28. It will mark the regional premiere of Luca Guadagnino’s “Artificial.” That film traces the rise of Sam Altman, the founder of OpenAI. Andrew Garfield plays Altman in the production. Guadagnino is a regular attendee of the Marrakech event. James Gray will also return with his crime thriller “Paper Tiger,” which stars Adam Driver and Miles Teller.

The gala lineup includes two world premieres. Brazilian director Fellipe Barbosa presents “Leila et la nuit.” The film is inspired by the life of Moroccan photographer Leila Alaoui. Roschdy Zem and Marina Foïs star in the project. Egyptian director Omar Hilal offers “His Weakest Creatures.” This film marks the first on-screen pairing of Egyptian actors Ahmed Helmy and Hend Sabry.

John Turturro will present Noah Segan’s “The Only Living Pickpocket in New York.” Turturro plays an aging pickpocket who confronts the modern world in that film. The gala section also includes Laïla Marrakchi’s “Strawberries.” This film has been selected as Morocco’s entry for the Oscars. It follows a group of Moroccan seasonal laborers who work in Spain and decide to stand up to their abusive employers.

The Official Competition features 14 first and second feature films. These titles compete for the Étoile d’Or award. A jury headed by actor Marion Cotillard will select the winner. Three of the competing films are world premieres. They include “Alkebulan” by Yassine Marco Marroccu, “Waves of Silence” by Farzad Samsami, and “Cairo Shadows” directed by Rani Massalha e Salem Massalha.

The Horizons section will screen 21 films. The festival describes these works as demonstrating the vitality and diversity of world cinema. The lineup includes the latest works from major international directors. Ryusuke Hamaguchi will present “All of a Sudden.” Cristian Mungiu contributes “Fjord.” Pawel Pawlikowski offers “Fatherland.” Hirokazu Kore-eda brings “Look Back,” and Nanni Moretti presents “It Happened One Night.” Arab cinema is represented by several titles, including “Safe Exit” and “The Station.” A documentary titled “Citizen Osama,” directed by Ahmed Hassouna, is also included in that section.