Büyüküstün will lead a four-member international jury that also includes British director and screenwriter Charlotte Regan, Cannes film programmer Alice Kharoubi and Lebanese writer-director Daniela Stephan, according to the festival.
The jury will assess films in the festival’s international competition, while its members are also scheduled to take part in talks and other events during the festival.
Büyüküstün, one of Türkiye’s best-known international actresses, has previously served on the juries of the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia and the Asian World Film Festival in Los Angeles.
She was also nominated for an International Emmy for best actress in 2014 for her role in the Turkish series “20 Dakika.” The actress has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2014 and also works in visual arts.
Moroccan jury and international program
The festival will also have a national jury chaired by Moroccan actor, director and screenwriter Rachid El Ouali. Actress and university professor Jalila Talemsi and actor, director and theater educator Hicham Brahimi will join him.
The festival’s 2026 edition will feature national and international competitions, along with a documentary program titled “Bridges of Reality,” focused on African cinema and filmmakers from the African diaspora.
Malta has also been selected as the festival’s guest country this year, with a program aimed at promoting cinematic and cultural exchanges between Morocco, the Mediterranean and Europe.
Read also : Marrakech Short Film Festival announces sixth edition program with films from more than 90 countries
The festival said it received more than 400 short-film submissions from over 90 countries for this year’s edition. Its international selection is open to filmmakers worldwide, with films competing for awards including Best Director, Best Cinematography and the Coup de Cœur Award.
Büyüküstün is also preparing for the release of her new film “Sultana,” which is scheduled to premiere on Prime Video on September 17, shortly before her appearance in Marrakech.
