Marrakech International Film Festival · Morocco
Marrakech to open with 'The Debut': Jesse Eisenberg's musical launches the 23rd edition
The suspense — and a confusion — is over: the opening film of the 23rd Marrakech International Film Festival is 'The Debut', Jesse Eisenberg's musical comedy. Julianne Moore stars as Mona Friedman, a homemaker who discovers a passion for amateur theatre.
Marrakech (Morocco), November 2026. The Marrakech International Film Festival has unveiled the selection for its 23rd edition, running from November 20 to 28: 76 films from 39 countries. The opening gala will feature 'The Debut', a musical comedy by Jesse Eisenberg starring Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti. The director and his lead actress are expected in Marrakech for the opening night.
'Mona' was not a title
Several French-language announcements headlined a film called 'Mona': it is in fact the first name of Julianne Moore's character — Mona Friedman, a homemaker who discovers a passion for amateur theatre, the heart of this musical comedy. The opening film's official title is indeed 'The Debut', and it will launch the 23rd edition.
This 23rd edition's jury will be presided over by Marion Cotillard. The 2026 tributes have not been announced yet: the full gala programme will take shape in the coming days. The official trailer of 'The Debut' is available on the film's official channels.
The essentials
The edition : 23rd Marrakech International Film Festival — November 20 to 28, 2026
The opening film : 'The Debut', a musical comedy by Jesse Eisenberg
Starring : Julianne Moore (Mona Friedman) and Paul Giamatti
The selection : 76 films, 39 countries
The jury : presided over by Marion Cotillard