The 23rd edition runs from Friday 20 to Saturday 28 November 2026. Screenings take place at the Palais des Congrès, Le Colisée cinema and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum Marrakech .
Get ready to grab your popcorn and dust off your beret because the Marrakech International Film Festival is back and it’s promising to be a cinematic extravaganza! Running from November 20 to 28, this year’s festival is not just about the flicks; it’s about the stars, the conversations, and let’s be honest, the Instagram opportunities.
This year, the festival will honor the legendary Jeff Goldblum, the ever-charismatic John Turturro, and the Moroccan treasure Younès Mégri. Seriously, who wouldn’t want to be in the same room as Goldblum? The man has an aura that could probably power a small city. And then there’s Turturro, who is so versatile he could probably play a piece of furniture and still steal the show.
As if that wasn’t enough star power, the festival is also featuring Rian Johnson, the mastermind behind some of your favorite films, including the latest Star Wars trilogy (yes, we know, it’s a hot topic). Johnson will be part of the festival’s Conversations program, which aims to delve into the nuances of contemporary cinema. It’s a fancy way of saying, “Let’s sit down, sip some fancy lattes, and chat about the meaning of life through film.”
Filmmaker James Gray will join the conversation too. If you’re not familiar with Gray’s work, don’t worry; you can still pretend you’ve seen all his films while nodding enthusiastically at the mention of his name. It’s a skill many of us have perfected over the years.
John Turturro is also showcasing his film, “The Only Living Pickpocket,” as part of the festival’s gala screenings. The title alone makes you curious, doesn’t it? I mean, who wouldn’t want to watch a story about pickpockets? They’re like the ninjas of the modern world, silently swooping in and out—just with more drama and less martial arts.
For those of us who might not make it to Marrakech (sad face), fear not! There will be plenty of online coverage, social media updates, and possibly a live stream of the conversations. Just think of it as a virtual front-row seat to the cinematic gossip and insight from the pros. You might even catch Goldblum doing his quirky thing and making everyone chuckle, or Turturro sharing some behind-the-scenes stories that will have you saying, “I had no idea!”
So, whether you’re a film buff or just someone who enjoys watching movies with a side of popcorn, the Marrakech International Film Festival is shaping up to be an event you won’t want to miss—at least from the comfort of your couch. Mark your calendars, set your reminders, and prepare to be dazzled by the stars. And who knows, you might even find yourself inspired to finally finish that screenplay you’ve been working on since 2015.
Until then, keep your eyes peeled for updates from Marrakech, and remember: in the world of cinema, anything is possible—even a pickpocket that manages to steal your heart.
Inspired by: “Jeff Goldblum, John Turturro, Rian Johnson and More Set for Marrakech Film Festival Conversations” (r/Entertainment)