Moroccan film festivals and industry events

The Marrakech International Film Festival announced the selection of 30 projects and films for its ninth Atlas Workshops, scheduled for late November. The program, which includes works from 14 countries, aims to support Moroccan, Arab, and African cinema. Brazilian director Kleber Mendonça Filho was named the godfather of this edition to mentor filmmakers.

Following this, the 31st Rabat International Auteur Film Festival opened on November 7. The festival, themed “Creation and Recognition,” features more than 120 films across international competitions for feature films, short films, and documentaries. A central component of the event is a tribute to the late Moroccan director and producer Mohamed Ahed Bensouda. Other honorees recognized during the opening ceremonies include Jordanian actress Abeer Issa, Moroccan director Saad Chraibi, and Moroccan artist Latifa Raafat. The international jury for the feature film competition is chaired by Italian director Memo Callopresti, with members representing Morocco, Turkey, Syria, and France. The festival also provides workshops, masterclasses, and specialized programming for children and youth.

Additionally, the 23rd Marrakech International Film Festival, scheduled for November 20 to 28, has announced its lineup and honorees. The festival will present special tributes to actors Jeff Goldblum and John Turturro, alongside Moroccan actor and musician Younès Mégri. The Conversations program is expected to feature industry figures including director Rian Johnson, actress Monica Bellucci, and directors Luca Guadagnino, Xavier Dolan, James Gray, Cristian Mungiu, Laïla Marrakchi, and Arthur Harari, as well as actor-director Gilles Lellouche.