When I first met the French African filmmaker in Marrakech, she exuded a kindness and resolve beyond expected. Now, on our second chance encounter thanks to the BFI London Film Festival, I got to interview her briefly and discover her talent and wisdom.
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Ava DuVernay photographed by ©Hadnnan in Marrakech, courtesy of FIFM
The Cinema Queen: Talking movies with Ava DuVernay in Marrakech
American filmmaker Ava DuVernay was at the Marrakech International Film Festival this year to share her wisdom during a public Conversation, where she talked about making movies as a Black woman but also the ability to watch cinema and how that changes depending on your socio-economic background.
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Phenomenal man: A conversation with Nabil Ayouch about the cinematic wonder that is 'Everybody Loves Touda'
As we spoke on the terrace of Unifrance during the Cannes Film Festival, a little tiny bird with a loud, rhythmical chirp decided it needed to chime in. Perhaps, I thought as I listened to the recording later, it was the spirit, the animal incarnation of a Sheikha, the beautiful, strong, freedom-loving tradition of women singers that the French-Moroccan filmmaker pays homage to in his latest masterpiece.
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Isabelle Huppert and Tsuyoshi Ihara in a still from ‘Sidonie au Japon’
"Do you believe in ghosts?": Catching up with Isabelle Huppert and Élise Girard in Marrakech
In Girard’s ‘Sidonie au Japon’ which screened at the 20th edition of the Moroccan festival this year, Huppert plays a woman who is still haunted by the memory of her late husband, which leads her on a voyage to Japan which she will never forget…
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The 'Limbo' interviews: Simon Baker on rediscovering the joy of acting, festivals' forte and personal freedom
While we may know the Australian star for his popular TV turns, including the long running American show ‘The Mentalist’, he’s a cinematic acting force to be reckoned with in Sen’s Aussie black and white moody outback noir.
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Marrakech announces tribute awards to Mads Mikkelsen and Faouzi Bensaïdi
The upcoming festival also disclosed a fascinating list for their ‘In Conversation With...’ the beloved series which gives audiences a chance to meet some of the biggest names in cinema from around the world.
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Marrakech International Film Festival announces Star Jury ensemble for upcoming 20th edition
The distinguished group of thespians and filmmakers from all over the world will join Jury President Jessica Chastain, whose involvement in the chic Moroccan festival was previously announced.
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Jessica Chastain to head Marrakech Film Festival jury at 20th anniversary edition
The prolific, and outspoken actress and producer will head the jury which will award the Étoile d’Or to one of the fourteen films by first- or second-time directors in the festival’s international competition.
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Photo by © Brigitte Lacombe, courtesy of the Marrakech Film Festival
Martin Scorsese to attend 20th anniversary edition of Marrakech Film Festival
The beloved Italian-American filmmaker will also be patron, looking over the 6th edition of the Atlas Workshops.
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Photo by © Stephane Cardinale, courtesy of the Marrakech International Film Festival
Can't get better than this! Robert Redford at the Marrakech International Film Festival
There is one actor who has been able to give me goosebumps throughout my life and his career — it’s Robert Redford. And the love I have for his work doesn’t stop at him as screen star either. As a not-quite-yet teenager in Florence, Italy I went to watch ‘Ordinary People’ 14 times at the movies. I remember because my parents thought it had been enough on number 13 but I didn’t want that number looming over my viewing and threw a tantrum until they finally drove me to watch it the 14th time. I dragged a few of my friends, and each drew the line at the second viewing. But to me, that film represents part of the cinematic soundtrack of my youth.
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This year's Marrakech International Film Festival pays homage to Robert De Niro
International Film Festival is bringing Robert De Niro to the desert city in Morocco. You know, the favorite home of world renowned fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and one of the most beautiful cities on earth, complete with oasis, luxury and camels, is going to host the wondrous movie star himself! Now that got me thinking about this shot I took above.
But more on that a bit later…
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