The 19th Salé International Women's Film Festival (FIFFS) opened on September 28, 2026, with a ceremony paying tribute to prominent Moroccan figures in the film industry. The event, organized by the Bouregreg Association under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, aims to promote women's causes, challenge stereotypes, and discuss their representation in cinema. The festival runs until October 3.
The opening ceremony was attended by notable figures from the arts, culture, and media. Tributes were paid to Moroccan actresses Amal Ayouch and Meryem Zaïmi, as well as director Mohamed Abderrahman Tazi, in recognition of their contributions to Moroccan cinema and television. The festival coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Bouregreg Association.
Noureddine Chmaou, president of the Bouregreg Association, emphasized the significance of this edition, highlighting the role of cinema in addressing societal issues, particularly those related to women. He praised the collaboration with institutional partners and the efforts of the festival's team, juries, and professionals.
Julien Cormier, director of the Quebec Office in Rabat, welcomed the selection of Quebec cinema as the guest of honor at the festival. He saw this as a testament to the strong cultural ties between Quebec and Morocco. Cormier also commended the Bouregreg Association for promoting female creativity.
The festival program includes a tribute to the late Fatima Mernissi, a renowned scientist and sociologist. A film about her life, "Fatema, la sultane inoubliable," will be screened, and a master class will be led by Quebecois-Moroccan director Halima Elkhatabi. Four Quebec films will also be showcased.
A new section, "La femme… dans leur regard," explores how male directors perceive women's conditions. The section features a discussion with director Mohamed Abderrahman Tazi. The festival also includes a colloquium on cinema and civil society, a dialogue between directors Hind Bensari and Sofia Alaoui, and the presentation of the "Prix de l'Autre Rive."
The festival offers various events, including public screenings in the medina of Salé, a "Dialogue de cinéastes" between two female directors, and the awarding of the "Prix de l'Autre Rive." The event provides a platform for discussing women's issues and promoting their representation in cinema.
Key points
- The festival promotes women's causes and challenges stereotypes through cinema.
- The event honors prominent Moroccan artists and celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Bouregreg Association.
- Quebec cinema is the guest of honor at the festival, highlighting the cultural ties between Quebec and Morocco.
