These include iconic Scottish actor Tilda Swinton, renowned U.S. filmmaker James Gray, Moroccan film pioneer and director Farida Benlyazid and Indian superstar Ranveer Singh will receive the Festival’s Étoile d’Or, says a statement released by the organizers.
“To be honoured by the Marrakesh film festival for which I have such admiration and affection is truly touching,” said Scottish actor Tilda Swinton as quoted by the statement.
“To return to celebrate with my friends this exceptional forum for world cinema and the perpetual global fellowship of film love with the beautiful audience there will be a pure joy for which I am deeply grateful,” she further indicated.
For his part, U.S. filmmaker James Gray thanked the Festival for presenting him with this “very special honour,” which is the Étoile d’Or. “I’m so thrilled that I also get to present my film Armageddon Time to filmgoers in Morocco.”
“The film is a deeply personal one and not only reflects certain aspects of my youth but also looks ahead and portrays the enduring issues and inequities facing the world today,” he added, thanking the organizers for recognizing these themes.
On the other hand, Morocco’s Farida Benlyazid thanked HM the King “for creating this beautiful festival that brings together members of the Moroccan film family with those from around the world,” extending her gratitude to HRH Moulay Rachid.
“It is a great honour to receive this tribute, after having been a member of the jury for the first edition of the Festival,” she noted, thanking all the organizers for having her invited every year.
She also voiced her particular love for the festival, which promotes the first and second works of filmmakers. “Over the years, I have had the pleasure of seeing wonderful films, and the selection has always been excellent.”
As for Bollywood star Ranveer Singh, he expressed his “deep humbleness and thrill” to be receiving a tribute “which recognizes my body of work along with this very, very special honour, the Étoile d’Or.”
“The notion that my craft has resonated in Africa is hugely gratifying,” he said, explaining that this is “indicative to the fact that my work has been able to transcend geographical and cultural borders.”
“For a humble artiste, who wishes to bring people together through entertainment, this is greatly rewarding,” he added. “I cannot wait to be in Marrakesh to soak in the love of the people and express my gratitude to them.”
