Marrakech International Film Festival Celebrates “Happy Holidays” as Top Prize Winner
At the prestigious Marrakech International Film Festival, the spotlight shone on “Happy Holidays,” a gripping Palestinian drama that takes place in Israel. The screenplay of this film had previously won an award at the Venice Film Festival in September, adding to its accolades.
Directed by the talented Scandar Copti, “Happy Holidays” delves into the lives of Israeli and Palestinian characters navigating familial and societal pressures in modern-day Haifa. The cast includes a mix of professional actors and newcomers, making the storytelling even more authentic. Notably, this marks the first time a Palestinian film has clinched the coveted Etoile D’Or award at the Marrakech International Film Festival.
In her acceptance speech, screenwriter Mona Copti expressed the team’s elation at the win but also highlighted the somber backdrop of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. She vehemently condemned the dehumanization of Palestinians, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by many in the region.
Jury Prize Honors Films from Somalia and Argentina
Among the array of films competing at the festival, eight features, each crafted by a first or second-time director, brought diverse narratives to the forefront. These winning films tackled pressing social issues through the intimate lens of family dynamics, a theme emphasized by the festival’s artistic director Remi Bonhomme from the very start.
In addition to “Happy Holidays,” the festival also recognized two standout films with its prestigious jury prize. Mo Harawe’s “The Village Next to Paradise” intricately weaves a tale of a family living under the constant threat of drone strikes, yearning for a better future. On the other hand, Silvina Schnicer’s “The Cottage” delves into the dark realms of childhood innocence and unspeakable actions at a wealthy family’s vacation home.
Notably, “The Village Next to Paradise” had previously participated in the festival’s Atlas Workshops, a platform dedicated to nurturing emerging filmmakers from Morocco, the Middle East, and Africa. During his acceptance speech, Harawe commended the film’s Somali cast and crew, underscoring the significance of the award for Somalia’s budding film industry.
Cecilia Rainero, the lead actor of “The Cottage,” expressed gratitude to the jury, particularly against the backdrop of challenges faced by Argentina’s film industry. With the country’s President Javier Milei making moves to defund the film sector, the recognition of “The Cottage” at the Marrakech International Film Festival holds special meaning for Rainero and the entire team.