MARRAKECH, Morocco — One of the largest film festivals in the Middle East and North Africa commenced on Friday in Morocco, attracting filmmakers and actors from across the globe to feature 70 films from 32 different nations.

The Marrakech International Film Festival, currently celebrating its 21st edition, aims to highlight Oscar-nominated films while providing audiences with a range of cinematic experiences. Differing from more extensive film festivals like Venice, Cannes, or Toronto, it places special emphasis on emerging filmmakers as well as films originating from the Middle East and Africa.

This year’s lineup includes notable figures such as Sean Penn, Alfonso Cuaron, and David Cronenberg, all partaking in discussions and honoring contributions to cinema.

Festival artistic director Remi Bonhomme stated that the event is distinguished by its ability to attract talent comparable to leading global festivals while showcasing promising filmmakers from Morocco and surrounding regions.

“We focus significantly on nations that often lack representation in the film industry,” he remarked. “Our mission is to support storytellers who possess a unique voice and craft narratives steeped in particular cultural contexts, whether that be in Iran, Morocco, or the U.S.”

He further emphasized that these filmmakers need not only serve as the voice for their countries but should have the freedom to articulate their individual artistic visions.

Among the subjects generating enthusiasm for this year’s selections is the theme of family. Filmmakers like Mohammad Rasoulof, who directed “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” are examining social and political ramifications through familial lenses, according to Bonhomme.

The festival kicked off with the premiere of “The Order,” a riveting thriller featuring Jude Law that depicts an FBI chase for a white supremacist leader.

The jury competition showcases 14 first or second films, featuring a nine-member jury that includes actors such as Jacob Elordi and Andrew Garfield, alongside Ali Abbasi, the Iranian-Danish director of “The Apprentice.” Luca Guadagnino, the Italian-Algerian creator of “Queer,” will serve as the jury’s president.

Films in contention feature Saïd Hamich’s “Across the Sea,” which follows a young Moroccan man’s journey to Marseille, and Damian Kocur’s “Under the Volcano,” Poland’s entry for the Best International Feature at the Oscars.

Established by King Mohammed VI of Morocco and led by his brother, Prince Moulay Rachid, the festival plays a vital role in promoting Moroccan films and directors on an international stage.

Remaining committed to a wide array of themes, this year’s festival will showcase Moroccan films tackling important issues such as immigration, LGBTQ+ topics, the lives of bar performers, and the narratives of Moroccan communist Jews.