Further recognition for ESRA alumni
ESRA is proud to announce that Laïla Marrakchi, an ESRA graduate from 1996, has been selected for this year’s prestigious Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival with her new feature film, *Les Fraises*.
This selection recognizes the remarkable career of a director and screenwriter whose work has established itself over the years as one of the distinctive voices of contemporary French-language cinema.
Another accolade at the Cannes Film Festival
A signature section of the Cannes Film Festival, Un Certain Regard showcases bold works, distinctive auteur styles, and filmmakers who offer an original vision of cinema.
The inclusion of *Les Fraises* in this selection marks another significant milestone in Laïla Marrakchi’s career. She thus joins the ranks of filmmakers whose works help showcase the diversity of cinematic storytelling on the international stage.
Every year, this selection attracts the attention of professionals from around the world and offers exceptional visibility to the films featured. Being selected for Un Certain Regard is therefore a major artistic achievement.
A career marked by a strong cinematic identity
A 1996 graduate of ESRA, Laïla Marrakchi has, over the years, built a filmography recognized for its sensitivity, its insight into human relationships, and its ability to tackle social issues with subtlety.
She first gained recognition in 2005 with *Marock*, a film that has become a cult classic, which was met with critical acclaim and helped bring her talent to the attention of the general public.
She went on to make several acclaimed films, including *Rock the Casbah*, which starred Hiam Abbass, Lubna Azabal, and Nadine Labaki. This feature film cemented her place among the most compelling filmmakers of her generation and demonstrated her ability to tell deeply human stories.
Through each of her projects, Laïla Marrakchi creates a personal world where themes of identity, heritage, family, and the evolution of contemporary societies intersect.
ESRA at Major Festivals
Every year, many ESRA students and graduates attend major international film festivals. The Cannes Film Festival is a particularly significant event in this regard, offering young talents the opportunity to discover the films that are shaping the international film scene and to meet industry professionals.
Laïla Marrakchi’s inclusion in the Un Certain Regard selection also serves as a reminder of the vital role that film schools play in nurturing new generations of filmmakers.
The entire ESRA Group extends its heartfelt congratulations to Laïla Marrakchi on the selection of *Les Fraises* for the Cannes Film Festival and wishes her every success in this new phase of her artistic career.
Congratulations to Laïla Marrakchi and the entire film crew! 👏
