Marrakech, December 1, 2025 – The Europe Today: The 22nd edition of the Marrakech International Film Festival continued its tribute programme on Sunday afternoon with an intimate conversation featuring acclaimed American actress and filmmaker Jodie Foster, honoured this year for her outstanding contribution to world cinema.
The session, held at Théâtre Meydene, attracted a full audience eager to listen to Foster reflect on a career spanning more than five decades. Entering the stage to warm applause, Foster offered an engaging blend of candor, humour, and thoughtful insight as she traced her evolution from child actor to one of Hollywood’s most enduring figures.
Foster expressed her admiration for Morocco and the festival, telling the audience: “It’s my first time in Marrakech but not my last,” and describing the event as energising and deeply connected to the values she cherishes most in cinema.
Reflecting on the passion that has driven her long career, she remarked simply: “I just love movies, and that’s my secret,” adding that her curiosity for storytelling continues to guide her artistic choices.
Discussing her early entry into the industry, Foster noted that her relationship with filmmaking has evolved continuously: “I grew up on sets, so cinema has always been part of how I understand the world.”
Throughout the conversation, she explored the artistic decisions that have shaped her work, including her attraction to psychologically complex characters and morally nuanced narratives. She acknowledged the challenges of adapting to an ever-changing industry, emphasising the need for continual growth: “You can’t stay frozen in one moment. You have to keep learning, and you have to stay curious.”
Audience members also questioned Foster about her work as a director—a field in which she has developed a distinct voice. She explained that while both acting and directing require sensitivity to emotional detail, directing offers a broader creative scope: “As a director, you’re shaping the entire conversation. It’s a different kind of responsibility, but it’s where I feel most connected to storytelling.”
As the session concluded, Foster expressed gratitude to the festival for fostering global cinematic dialogue. Her presence at Théâtre Meydene added depth and reflection to this year’s edition, offering festivalgoers a rare opportunity to engage with one of cinema’s most influential and enduring artists.
