Bong Joon Ho Reflects on Film School Days as He Takes on Jury President Role in Marrakech with Jenna Ortega & Anya Taylor-Joy

Oscar-winning Korean director Bong Joon Ho reminisced about his days as a film student while taking on the role of jury president at the 22nd Marrakech Film Festival on Friday. Joining him on stage during the opening-night ceremony were jury members Celine Song, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jenna Ortega, Karim Anouz, Hakim Belabbes, Julia Ducournau, and Payman Maadi.

Over the following eight days, the jury will evaluate 14 debut and sophomore films competing for the festivals Golden Star Award. At the opening ceremony, Bong reflected on his early career. Twenty-two years old. What were you doing at that age? Or what are you planning to do when you turn 22? he asked. When I was 22, I was a cinema student consuming films eagerlythree or four a day. I wanted to create my own. Why was the camera positioned there? Why did the actor face that way? Why cut the scene at that moment?

He added, Those questions filled my days at 22. Looking back, I was full of energy and passion for cinema. Marrakech at 22 also has a vibrant energy. Bong also highlighted the festivals ties to Korea, noting that Korean films have twice won the main competition: Park Jung-bums The Journals of Musan in 2010 and Lee Su-jins Han Gong-ju in 2013, the latter awarded by a jury led by Martin Scorsese. Bong is the festivals first Asian jury president.

On the red carpet, festival director Mlita Toscan du Plantier shared that she had invited Bong to be jury president for several years. He is always busy, but if you ask a year in advance, he will commit. And he did. Thats very rare, she said. Toscan du Plantier noted that friends including Scorsese, Tilda Swinton, and Lee Su-jin encouraged him to attend.

During the opening ceremony, veteran Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmi received a career achievement award. Egyptian star Yousra delivered a tribute, celebrating Fahmis diverse roles and his dedication to cinema over five decades.

The Marrakech Film Festival is scheduled to run from November 28 to December 6.

Reflection on Passion for Cinema: Bong Joon Ho’s Leadership at the Marrakech Film Festival

As the 22nd Marrakech Film Festival unfolds, the role of jury president is in the capable hands of Bong Joon Ho, the Oscar-winning director known for his cinematic masterpieces. In his opening-night address, Bong shared a glimpse of his journey from a passionate film student to an international figure in the world of cinema. At 22, he was consumed by the love for films, eagerly questioning every aspect of filmmaking, from camera placement to actor positioning. It is this youthful energy and passion that he now brings to the prestigious festival as its first Asian jury president.

The significance of his appointment is not lost on festival organizers or the global film community. Bong's presence further solidifies the growing ties between Korea and Morocco, as evidenced by the two Korean films that have previously won the Golden Star Award. His reflections on his early days in cinema resonate not only with young filmmakers but also with the festival's vibrant atmosphere. Over the next week, Bong and his esteemed jury members will review 14 debut and sophomore films, shaping the future of international cinema.

What stands out about this year's festival is the exceptional diversity of its jury, which includes stars like Anya Taylor-Joy and Jenna Ortega. Together, they bring a fresh perspective to the competition, which will undoubtedly lead to a memorable and impactful conclusion. As the jury deliberates, the world watches, knowing that the 22nd edition of the Marrakech Film Festival will be one for the history books.

Sources:

• Bong Joon Ho Recalls Film School Days As He Hits Marrakech In Jury President Role Alongside Jenna Ortega & Anya Taylor-Joy