Marrakech – The 22nd edition of the Marrakech International Film Festival continued its program of tributes on Sunday afternoon with an intimate conversation session featuring American actress and filmmaker Jodie Foster, honored this year for her remarkable contribution to cinema.
Held at Théâtre Meydene, the event drew a full audience eager to hear Foster revisit a career that spans more than five decades.
Foster entered the stage to warm applause, offering a mix of candor, humor, and thoughtful reflection as she discussed her evolution from child actor to one of Hollywood’s most enduring figures.
During the exchange, Foster spoke with warmth about her experience in Morocco, telling the audience, “It’s my first time in Marrakech but not my last.” She described the festival atmosphere as both energizing and deeply connected to what she values most in cinema.
When asked about the drive behind her long career, she answered with characteristic simplicity: “I just love movies, and that’s my secret,” adding that her curiosity for storytelling continues to guide every stage of her work.
Speaking about her early start in the industry, she noted that her relationship to filmmaking has undergone continuous transformation. “I grew up on sets, so cinema has always been part of how I understand the world,” she said.
Throughout the session, Foster addressed the artistic choices that have defined her work, including her interest in psychologically layered characters and narratives rooted in moral tension.
She spoke about the challenges of balancing personal expression with the demands of a constantly changing industry, observing that each era has pushed her to rethink her craft. “You can’t stay frozen in one moment,” she said. “You have to keep learning, and you have to stay curious.”
The audience also engaged Foster with questions about directing, a field in which she has steadily built a distinctive voice.
She shared insights into how she navigates the transition between acting and directing, explaining that the two roles require attention to emotional detail, but directing offers a broader perspective. “As a director, you’re shaping the entire conversation,” she remarked. “It’s a different kind of responsibility, but it’s where I feel most connected to storytelling.”
As the session concluded, Foster expressed her appreciation for Marrakech and the festival’s longstanding commitment to global cinematic dialogue.
Her presence at Théâtre Meydene added a thoughtful dimension to this year’s tribute, offering festivalgoers a rare opportunity to hear one of cinema’s most influential figures reflect openly on her journey.
