Celine Song, Anya Taylor-Joy & Jenna Ortega Join Bong Joon Ho as Marrakech Film Festival Jury
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At the upcoming 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival, running from November 28 to December 6, 2025, South Korean auteur Bong Joon Ho will preside over a high-profile jury that features a diverse mix of filmmakers and actors. Yabiladi+2Screen Daily+2
A Star-Studded, Global Jury
Joining Bong are eight members from four continents, each bringing distinct creative perspectives: Screen Daily+2Yabiladi+2
- Celine Song – The Canadian writer-director of Past Lives and Materialists, whose emotionally rich storytelling has earned her recognition on the festival circuit.
- Anya Taylor-Joy – The British-Argentinian actress known for The Queen’s Gambit, Dune: Part Two, and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. Yahoo News
- Jenna Ortega – Star of popular series such as Wednesday and film roles including Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, bringing a younger acting voice to the panel. Yahoo
- Karim Aïnouz – Brazilian director celebrated for The Invisible Life of Eurídice Gusmão. Screen Daily+1
- Hakim Belabbes – Moroccan filmmaker, giving local and regional insight into the jury. L’Opinion Maroc
- Julia Ducournau – French director and Palme d’Or winner for Titane, known for her bold, boundary-pushing work. Screen Daily
- Payman Maadi – Iranian actor-director, known for his award-winning work in A Separation. Gazettely
Why This Jury Matters
The composition of this jury reflects Marrakech’s ambition to blend generational, geographic, and artistic diversity. Yabiladi
- Bong Joon Ho’s leadership brings the gravitas of an Oscar-winning filmmaker, setting a tone of serious artistic deliberation. IMDb
- Celine Song’s presence underscores the festival’s commitment to supporting emerging directors with fresh, modern perspectives.
- Taylor-Joy and Ortega, both high-profile actors with global appeal, bring star power and a contemporary lens to the jury table.
What’s at Stake
The jury will judge 14 first- and second-feature films in competition, awarding the Étoile d’Or (Golden Star) at the festival’s closing ceremony on December 6. IMDb+1
By assembling creators from very different corners of the film world, Marrakech is positioning this edition as a bridge between local voices and international cinema, affirming its role as a global meeting point for both seasoned artists and rising talents. L’Opinion Maroc+1
