'Happy Holidays' Wins Grand Prix at Marrakech Film Festival

The Marrakech International Film Festival awarded its top prize, the Étoile d'Or, to the Palestinian film 'Happy Holidays,' directed by Scandar Copti, marking a first for Palestinian cinema at the event. The film, which explores the complexities of Israeli-Palestinian relations in Haifa, also received accolades for Best Performance by an Actress, shared by leads Wafaa Aoun and Manar Shehab. In her acceptance speech, screenwriter Mona Copti highlighted the ongoing conflicts in the region, condemning the dehumanization of Palestinians and expressing hope that the film sheds light on societal issues. The festival also recognized 'The Village Next to Paradise' from Somalia and 'The Cottage' from Argentina with the Jury Prize, emphasizing the social themes present in all award-winning films. A notable aspect of this year's festival was the participation of a diverse jury led by filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, which underscored the event's commitment to cultural dialogue and cinematic creativity.