DUBAI: US actress and producer Jessica Chastain turned heads at the 20th Marrakech International Film Festival in Morocco this week.
The star, who is the president of the jury, attended the event wearing a shimmering silver tasseled jump suit from Armani Prive’s fall 2021 couture collection.
Chastain was joined on stage by jury members — Iranian actress Zar Amir, French actress and comedian Camille Cottin, Australian actor and director Joel Edgerton, British director Joanna Hogg, US director Dee Rees, Swedish filmmaker Tarik Saleh and Swedish actor Alexander Skarsgard.
During her speech on the festival’s opening night, Chastain said: “In the weeks leading up to the festival, we were not sure that we would even be able to be here,” referring to the Israeli military campaign in Gaza.
“The world we share is shattered and devoured,” she said. “Throughout history, art has been used as an accessible tool for communication, raising awareness about social issues and affecting positive change.”
Surrounded by red carpet crowds and flashing camera lights, others agreed.
“We know what’s happening and don’t forget it,” said Melita Toscan du Plantier, director of the Marrakech International Film Festival. “But heart is important. Heart is a weapon against obscurity and against conflict. We’re here to talk about heart, show movies and talk about directors from this region.”
Organizers said that they looked forward to showcasing cinema from Morocco, the Middle East and Africa. Throughout the week, they plan to honor Moroccan director Faouzi Bensaidi, and workshop films from throughout the region in a developmental program presided over by director Martin Scorsese.
The festival opened on Friday with Richard Linklater’s action-comedy “Hit Man.”
Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen was honored with a career achievement award for his films including “Another Round,” “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” and “Casino Royale,” in which he played a Bond villain.
The festival is expected to feature more than 70 additional films, including Michel Franco’s “Memory,” starring Chastain, and Matteo Garrone’s Italian immigration drama “Io Capitano.”
The festival is scheduled to run through to Dec. 2.
