APA – Rabat (Morocco) – The renowned American film director will be the patron of the 6thedition of the ‘Ateliers de l’Atlas’ (Atlas Workshops)
A legendary director and ardent defender of cinema, Martin Scorsese has been one of the world’s most influential artists for over 40 years. A long-time supporter of the Marrakech Festival, which he has attended 5 times, the American filmmaker will be returning to take part in its 20th edition, the festival organizers announced in a press release sent to APA on Tuesday.
With this in mind, he has agreed to be the patron of the 6th ‘Ateliers de l’Atlas’, the festival’s industry program dedicated to talent from the region. Martin Scorsese will be the first major personality to be invited to sponsor an edition of the workshops, and to give his name to the graduating class.
“I’m always very happy to come back to the Marrakech Festival, which is so dear to me. When I’m not there in person, I’m there in spirit. For this very special anniversary edition of the Festival, I have been entrusted with a precious mission: to exchange with young filmmakers and help guide them on their path. I’m looking forward to catching up with old friends and making new ones.”
The ‘Ateliers de l’Atlas’ is a talent development industry program launched in 2018 by the Marrakech International Film Festival to support the emergence of a new generation of Moroccan, Arab and African filmmakers and create a space for exchanges between international professionals and regional talent.
In five editions, the ‘Ateliers de l’Atlas’ have supported 111 projects and films, including 48 Moroccan projects and films. In recent years, several films supported by the ‘Ateliers de l’Atlas’ have been selected and won prizes at major international festivals, confirming their role as a key incubator and platform for the region.
The next edition of the ‘Ateliers de l’Atlas’ will be marked by the presence of Martin Scorsese, who will take part in several sessions with the selected projects. In doing so, he will inaugurate a new tradition at the Marrakech Festival, in which each year a major figure from the world of cinema is invited to sponsor the workshops. Each year’s batch of winners will bear the name of the celebrity who has accompanied them. The class of 2023 will therefore be called the “Martin Scorsese Class.”
The 6th Atlas Workshops will be held from 27 to 30 November, in conjunction with the 20th Marrakech International Film Festival, scheduled to run from 24 November to 2 December 2023.
HA/fss/abj/APA