At the 22nd edition of the Marrakech International Film Festival (FIFM), filmmaker Olivier Laxe once again found himself surrounded by Morocco’s vivid colors and cultural contrasts. The Spanish-born director, known for his deep spiritual and visual storytelling, described his return to the country as “coming home to the scandalous beauty of Morocco.”
Laxe has maintained a lasting bond with Morocco, where he filmed parts of several works that capture the essence of the land and its people. His narratives often explore the intersection between civilization and nature, emphasizing the fragile harmony between humans and their environment. Morocco, he said, provides a setting “where reality and myth coexist effortlessly.”
During the festival, Laxe presented his latest film to an international audience, receiving warm applause from critics and attendees. The screening reaffirmed his place as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary European cinema. Festival organizers praised his artistry, highlighting his ability to balance poetic imagery with emotional depth.
Laxe spoke openly about filmmaking as an act of contemplation rather than spectacle. He views cinema as a spiritual journey, a way to translate silence, beauty, and truth into visual form. In an interview, he remarked:
"Cinema should not entertain—it should awaken."
This philosophy has guided his career, influencing both the rhythm of his films and the subjects he chooses to portray.
The Marrakech Film Festival marked another chapter in Laxe’s ongoing dialogue with Morocco. The country, with its landscapes and contradictions, continues to inspire his vision of cinema as both art and meditation.
Author’s summary: Olivier Laxe revisits Morocco’s powerful landscapes at the Marrakech Film Festival, reaffirming his deep cinematic and spiritual bond with the country.