Jeff Goldblum, John Turturro Set for Marrakech Festival Conversations

Hollywood stars Jeff Goldblum and John Turturro, and “Knives Out” director Rian Johnson are among those set to take part in the Conversations program during the 23rd edition of the Marrakech Film Festival, which runs Nov. 20-28.

Other movieworld luminaries to take part include actress Monica Bellucci, directors James Gray, Luca Guadagnino, Cristian Mungiu, Laïla Marrakchi, Xavier Dolan and Arthur Harari, and actor-director Gilles Lellouche.

The festival commented that the Conversations would “offer a comprehensive overview of the sensibilities that are shaping contemporary cinema. Whether in major Hollywood productions or deeply personal works, genre films or intimate narratives, their experiences reveal a wide range of approaches to depicting the world, examining society and moving audiences.”

In a separate announcement on Monday, the festival said that it would honor Goldblum, Turturro and Moroccan actor Younès Mégri during the event.

Goldblum, whose credits range from David Cronenberg’s “The Fly” to Jon M. Chu’s “Wicked,” said, “It is beyond a thrill and a privilege to be honored at the iconic Marrakech International Film Festival. What a captivating place! This glorious city with such deep roots in storytelling and craftsmanship! I feel wildly lucky indeed. It is truly a rapturous joy—and an adventure upon which I can’t wait to embark.”

Turturro, whose work includes Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing” and the Coen brothers’ “The Big Lebowski,” said, “There is something particularly meaningful about having one’s work celebrated in a place with such a rich cultural history and such a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling. Cinema has a remarkable way of bringing us together, opening windows into other worlds and reminding us of our shared humanity.”

Turturro’s recent film “The Only Living Pickpocket in New York” will screen at the festival.

Mégri, who started his career as a singer and composer, said, “I did not leave music for film; I just switched instruments. This tribute in Marrakech tells me that the audience heard the same sincerity in both. That’s what moves me the most.”

His international work includes “The Miracles of Jesus” by Jean-Claude Bragard, “The Government Inspector” by Peter Kosminsky, “Laila, la pure” by Gabriel Axel, “David” by Robert Markowitz and “Marie de Nazareth” by Jean Delannoy.