Jesse Eisenberg’s The Debut to open 23rd Marrakech Film Festival
- The 23rd Marrakech International Film Festival takes place from November 20 to 28, 2026.
- Jesse Eisenberg’s comedy 'The Debut' will serve as the festival's opening feature.
- Marion Cotillard is set to chair the competition jury for the Étoile d’or award.
- The festival programme includes 76 films representing 39 different countries.
- Screenings will be held at the Palais des Congrès, Le Colisée, and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.
The 23rd Marrakech International Film Festival will open with the comedy film The Debut on 20 November 2026. The festival will continue until 28 November 2026.
The opening feature, also identified in reports as the comedy Mona, is directed by US actor-filmmaker Jesse Eisenberg and stars Julianne Moore. Mr Eisenberg maintains a professional presence online under the title Jesse Eisenberg - StreetTalk.
Festival to showcase 76 films from 39 countries
The festival programme features 76 films representing 39 countries. This selection includes 10 world premieres.
The event takes place from 20 November to 28 November 2026.
Marion Cotillard to chair competition jury
French actress Marion Cotillard will serve as the president of the competition jury. The official competition consists of 14 first and second feature films competing for the Étoile d’Or award.
The festival’s Atlas Workshops talent development programme supported the films Alkebulan and Cairo Shadows.
Gala screenings to feature star-studded premieres
Gala screenings will feature the world premieres of Fellipe Barbosa’s Leila Et La Nuit and Omar Hilal’s His Weakest Creatures. Leila Et La Nuit stars Roschdy Zem and Marina Foïs, while His Weakest Creatures features Ahmed Helmy and Hend Sabry.
Jesse Eisenberg and Julianne Moore are expected to attend the out-of-competition gala for The Debut.
This includes the film Artificial, which stars Andrew Garfield as Sam Altman.
Diverse programme includes Horizons and Moroccan cinema
The festival programme features the regional premiere of Luca Guadagnino’s film Artificial, which stars Andrew Garfield as OpenAI founder Sam Altman. Director James Gray also returns to the event with his crime thriller Paper Tiger, featuring actors Adam Driver and Miles Teller.
The Horizons section comprises 21 films, including works from directors Hamaguchi, Mungiu, Pawlikowski, Kore-eda, and Moretti. This category also includes May el-Toukhy’s Woman Unknown, Andrew Haigh’s A Long Winter, and Ahmed Hassouna’s Citizen Osama.
The 11th Continent section presents 13 films, featuring restored classics such as Nahla and Tilaï. The Panorama of Moroccan Cinema showcases six films, beginning with Bardi by Tala Hadid and including three world premieres.
In total, the festival programme includes 11 Moroccan films, such as Les Roses de Marrakech by Ginevra Elkann, which stars Fanny Ardant. Jamel Debbouze will present La Fille dans les nuages as part of the section for younger audiences.
Julianne Moore stars in Eisenberg’s The Debut
The character initially presents as a shy individual who develops a passion for amateur theatre.
The film has previously screened at the Telluride Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival. It was also featured as the closing-night film at the BFI London Film Festival.
Venues and logistics for the 2026 event
Organisers have confirmed the inclusion of 10 world premieres and 12 films supported by the Atlas Workshops.
Among these entries, Laïla Marrakchi’s film La más dulce has been selected as the official Moroccan submission for the Academy Awards.
Frequently Asked Questions
- ‘The Debut’ to open Marrakech International Film Festival as 2026 lineup unveiled (screendaily.com)
- Jesse Eisenberg’s ‘The Debut’ To Open 2026 Marrakech Film Festival (deadline.com)
- Jesse Eisenberg’s ‘The Debut’ To Open 2026 Marrakech Film Festival; Full Lineup Unveiled (imdb.com)
- 'The Debut' to Open Marrakech Film Festival: Lineup Revealed (variety.com)
- The Marrakech International Film Festival unveils a 23rd edition packed with premieres (en.yabiladi.com)
- Jesse Eisenberg (linkedin.com)
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