Jessica Chastain to lead jury at Marrakech Film Festival

Oscar-winning US actress Jessica Chastain has been announced as jury president for the upcoming 20th edition of the Marrakech International Film Festival, set to take place from Nov. 24-Dec. 2. (Getty Images)
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Updated 09 October 2023
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Jessica Chastain to lead jury at Marrakech Film Festival

DUBAI: Oscar-winning US actress Jessica Chastain has been announced as jury president for the upcoming 20th edition of the Marrakech International Film Festival, set to take place from Nov. 24-Dec. 2.

Succeeding Paolo Sorrentino, Chastain will lead the jury of the competition, which comprises fourteen films by first or second-time directors.

“I am honored to serve as the jury president for the esteemed Marrakech International Film Festival, marking its 20th edition this year,” said Chastain in a statement. “I am excited to return to the festival, having last attended in 2011. Being entrusted with this role is a privilege and I look forward to celebrating incredible global talent within the world of cinema.”

Chastain, who won the best actress Oscar for her performance in “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” is also an activist and a producer. Her New York City-based company, Freckle Films, produced “Memory,” as well as a “The 355” and “George & Tammy.”

She is developing a series adaptation of two novels, “His and Hers” by Alice Feeney, and “The School for Good Mothers” by Jessamine Chan.

Veteran filmmaker Martin Scorsese is also attending the festival and will pass on his tips and knowledge to emerging directors in the MENA region.

The Oscar-winning director will not only return to this year’s Marrakech International Film Festival, but will also be the official patron for the event’s Atlas Workshops.

“I am always happy to be returning to my beloved Marrakech Film Festival. When I haven’t been able to attend in person, I’ve always been there in spirit,” said Scorsese in a statement.

“For this very special anniversary edition of the festival, I have been entrusted with a precious task: To interact with young filmmakers and help to guide them on their way. I look forward to seeing old friends, and to making new ones.”

This year’s Atlas Workshop participants will be known as the Class of Martin Scorsese.


Riyadh celebrates Sudanese heritage in cultural week finale

Updated 15 December 2025
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Riyadh celebrates Sudanese heritage in cultural week finale

  • Visitors experience sounds of dalooka, rababa in lively spectacle
  • Global Harmony 2 initiative has offered an integrated cultural experience highlighting 14 cultures

RIYADH: The Sudanese Culture Week continues in Riyadh until Dec. 20, attracting visitors from a variety of nationalities to diverse cultural performances, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Ministry of Media has organized the events as part of the Global Harmony 2 initiative, in cooperation with the General Entertainment Authority and the Quality of Life Program.

Held at Al-Suwaidi Park, one of Riyadh Season’s zones, the week began with a celebratory parade featuring traditional Sudanese music which included the sounds of the dalooka and the rababa. A traditional Sudanese bridal procession was the subject of a tableau that also engaged visitors.

Sudanese Culture Week also includes musical concerts, entertainment sections, and cultural pavilions, with participation from Sudanese singers and influencers presenting activities that reflect the cultural diversity of the country’s regions and communities.

The event’s stage hosted the opening concerts, which were attended by thousands who enjoyed rababa performances and popular Sudanese songs.

Citizens and residents explored Sudanese culture through its folk arts, traditional music, and customs.

The celebration marks the final week of the Global Harmony 2 initiative’s cultural events. These have built on the program’s success in promoting cultural exchange and showcasing the cultures of communities residing in the Kingdom, reflecting the values of coexistence and cultural openness.

Over more than 40 days the Global Harmony 2 initiative has offered an integrated cultural experience highlighting 14 cultures.

Indian Culture Week was the first in a series featuring countries from Asia, Africa, and the Arab world.

Other weeks have placed the spotlight on regions such as the Philippines, Egypt, Pakistan, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Bangladesh, Yemen, Uganda, and Ethiopia, providing traditional arts and music, cuisine, and social activities.

The initiative has included more than 100 artists and creators presenting artistic and musical performances, along with areas showcasing traditional cuisine, clothing, handicrafts, and family-friendly interactive activities.

It has received wide acclaim for highlighting the lives of residents in the Kingdom and the services provided to them.