South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon Ho has been tapped to lead the jury for the 22nd edition of the Marrakech International Film Festival, which will run from November 28 to December 6, 2025. The celebrated director behind Parasite will oversee the competition for the festival’s top honor, the Golden Star, awarded to one standout debut or sophomore feature selected from a global lineup of emerging talent.
Reacting to the news, Bong expressed how “honored” he felt to join a festival that, in his words, has long championed “films of great beauty and fresh perspective.” He shared his eagerness to engage with both the audience and fellow jury members in a meaningful conversation about what cinema represents today.
By appointing Bong Joon Ho, the Marrakech Film Festival places a bold, distinctive voice of contemporary cinema at the center of its next edition. Winner of the Palme d’Or, Academy Award, Golden Globes, and BAFTAs, Bong made history as the first non-English language filmmaker to win the Oscar for Best Picture. His work is celebrated not only for its artistic depth and sharp social commentary but also for its wide-reaching appeal. Over time, his films have evolved from cult favorites to cultural touchstones.
Bong’s presence in Marrakech continues the festival’s long-standing mission to foster cross-cultural dialogue through cinema. His participation promises to amplify a body of work that continues to resonate far beyond national borders.
Born in 1969 in Daejeon, South Korea, Bong Joon Ho has directed eight feature films to date. His latest, Mickey 17, released in early 2025, extends his ongoing exploration of social inequality through the lens of science fiction. His notable filmography includes Barking Dog, Memories of Murder, The Host, Mother, Snowpiercer, Okja, and, of course, Parasite.
Known for blending dark humor with biting social critique, Bong consistently challenges institutional norms and redefines genre expectations. His unique cinematic language has earned him a rare honor: a dedicated exhibition at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. Titled Director’s Inspiration: Bong Joon Ho, the showcase is open to the public through January 2027.
