Marrakech: Oscar-winning director Bong Joon Ho has been announced as the chair of the jury for the 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival. The jury at this year’s festival will award the Étoile d’Or (Golden Star) to one of the 14 debut or second feature films competing in the international competition. This segment of the competition is dedicated to discovering filmmakers from around the world, according to a press release from the festival.
According to c, Bong Joon Ho expressed his delight and honor at being part of the festival’s tradition, which has celebrated and showcased remarkable films over the years. “For many years, the Marrakech Festival has celebrated and showcased films of great beauty that bring new breath to cinema. I am delighted and honored to now be part of this tradition,” he stated. The South Korean director is enthusiastic about sharing a powerful cinematic experience with audiences and taking the time to reflect on the true value of cinema. He emphasized that his excitement and ent
husiasm “will be more than present in the theaters of Marrakech.”
Bong Joon Ho has garnered prestigious international honors, including the Palme d’Or, Oscars, Golden Globes, and Baftas. He made history with his film Parasite, becoming the first non-English language filmmaker to win the Oscar for Best Picture. His presidency at the Marrakech festival represents the convergence of his visionary work with a festival that has brought global cinema to the heart of Morocco for over two decades. His role as the head of the jury is anticipated to be a significant highlight, emphasizing the centrality of cinema’s role, and offering both Moroccan and international audiences the enduring impact of his work.
Bong Joon Ho was born in Daejeon, Republic of Korea, on September 14, 1969. His latest film, Mickey 17, released earlier this year, marks his eighth feature film. His career includes major films such as Barking Dog (2000), Memories of Murder (2003), The Host (2006), Mother (2009), Snowpiercer (2013), Okja (2017),
and Parasite (2019).