Stars Rally to Defend ‘Human Creation’ at Marrakech Film Festival
Marrakech,Morocco – A constellation of film stars,including Jenna Ortega,Anya Taylor-Joy,and Celine Song,convened at the 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival to champion the importance of human artistry in the face of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence. The gathering, which began November 28th and runs through december 6th, has become a focal point for discussion about the future of cinema and the role of human creativity within it.
The debate over AI’s influence on filmmaking comes as the industry grapples with tools capable of generating scripts, visuals, and even performances. Festival attendees and jurors alike voiced concerns about the potential devaluation of human skill and the unique perspectives that drive compelling storytelling. This discussion is especially critical for the African continent, where the film industry is still developing and relies heavily on fostering local talent and authentic narratives. The festival’s commitment to showcasing films competing for the gold Star,alongside those submitted for Oscar consideration,underscores the importance of preserving a space for original,human-driven work.
Leading the charge is the festival’s jury, chaired by Bong Joon Ho (“Parasites”) and featuring ortega, Song, taylor-Joy, Brazilian director Karim Ainouz, Iranian director Payman Maadi, and Moroccan filmmaker hakim Belabbes. The group’s presence signals a unified front in advocating for the continued primacy of human authorship in film.
“The Marrakech International Film Festival will bring together stars of the big screen around premieres, awards ceremonies and talks,” organizers stated, highlighting the event’s role as a platform for critical industry conversations.
Beyond the AI debate, the festival is honoring cinematic luminaries including Jodie Foster, Guillermo del Toro, and Moroccan actress Raouya. Bong Joon Ho, during the opening ceremony following a tribute to Egyptian and Arab cinema icon Hussein Fahmy, emphasized Marrakech’s “significant contribution to the art of cinema.”
this year’s competition features 13 feature films vying for the Gold Star, with an additional 14 films screening out of competition, including Spanish entry “Sirat” by oliver Laxe and moroccan film “Málaga Calle” starring Carmen Maura, both representing their countries in the Oscar race.
