The 2025 Marrakech International Film Festival opened in full glamour, with a red carpet that quickly turned into a showcase of colour, culture and personal expression.
Actors and filmmakers arrived in everything from embroidered velvet robes to sharply tailored black-and-white outfits, drawing the attention of photographers lining the walkway.
Fashion Reflects Regional Identity
Many guests used their outfits to highlight North African and Middle Eastern traditions. Hand-stitched caftans, flowing robes and patterns inspired by local geometric embroidery stood out.
Egyptian screen icon Youssra carried a black sequined clutch, trimmed with pearls and featuring her name across the front, a detail instantly recognised by audiences across the Arab world.
Subtle Political Messages on the Carpet
Alongside the glamour were quiet but deliberate political gestures. Some guests chose accessories patterned like the keffiyeh, while others wore small pins close to their chest, understated signs of solidarity with Palestinians at a festival taking place near a region still facing conflict.
A Showcase Beyond the Red Carpet
The images from this year’s event capture more than celebrity arrivals. They highlight textures, silhouettes and accessories that shaped the festival’s visual identity.
The Marrakech International Film Festival, one of the most prominent film gatherings in the Middle East and North Africa, wrapped up on Saturday. Notable attendees included jury president Bong Joon Ho, Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi and actor Anya Taylor-Joy.