South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon Ho, celebrated for winning three Oscars with his film Parasite, will serve as the chair of the jury for the 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival, scheduled from November 28 to December 6. The jury is responsible for awarding the Étoile d’Or to one standout film among the 14 first and second feature-length entries competing internationally.
Bong Joon Ho Reflects on Marrakech Festival’s Cinematic Legacy
Bong expressed enthusiasm about joining the festival’s tradition, emphasizing his respect for the event’s commitment to showcasing innovative and beautiful films. He shared:
“For many years, Marrakech has been a champion of fresh, beautiful films. I’m delighted and honored to be part of that tradition. I look forward to sharing a powerful cinematic experience with the festival audience and reflecting on the true value of ‘cinema.’ Our anticipation and excitement will be palpable in front of the big screens of Marrakech.” —Bong Joon Ho, Director
Achievements and Recent Works Highlight Bong’s Impact
Parasite garnered Cannes’ Palme d’Or as well as two BAFTAs and Oscars, including Best Motion Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay, marking Bong as the first non-English-language filmmaker to receive the Best Picture Oscar. More recently, he directed Mickey 17, starring Robert Pattinson, which premiered earlier this year at the Berlin Film Festival.
His filmography also includes notable titles such as Barking Dogs Never Bite (2000), Memories of Murder (2003), The Host (2006), Mother (2009), Snowpiercer (2013), and Okja (2017), reflecting a versatile and influential career.
Festival Praises Bong’s Unique Storytelling and Social Insight
The Marrakech Film Festival highlighted Bong’s extraordinary ability to blend narrative skill with a thoughtful exploration of social and political themes. The festival stated:
“His work, which combines narrative virtuosity with a keen understanding of the social and political divisions of our time, stands as a rare example of cinema that appeals to both critics and the general public. Having gone from cult films to true cultural phenomena in just a few years, Bong’s films demonstrate the director’s ability to deconstruct genres and speak to audiences of all generations and cultures.” —Marrakech Film Festival, Official Statement
Ongoing Exhibition Celebrates Bong’s Cinematic Influence
Bong Joon Ho’s artistic contributions are currently featured in an exhibition titled Director’s Inspiration: Bong Joon Ho at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, running through January 2027. This retrospective recognizes his significant role in modern cinema and his cross-cultural impact.
Marrakech Festival’s Role in Promoting Emerging Arab Talent
Under the leadership of French producer Melita Toscan du Plantier, the Marrakech Film Festival has established itself as a key cultural event in the Arab world. The festival is known for assembling prestigious juries and hosting in-depth masterclasses. Bong Joon Ho follows Luca Guadagnino, who chaired last year’s jury that included actors Jacob Elordi and Andrew Garfield.
In addition to international offerings, the festival nurtures Arab filmmakers—especially Moroccans—through its selection process and industry program known as the Atlas workshops. This initiative supports new voices and often spotlights films that achieve further critical acclaim, such as Ismae El Moudir’s The Mother Of All Lies, winner of the festival’s top award in 2023.
