The 23rd Marrakech International Film Festival, taking place from November 20 to 28, will celebrate world cinema with an official selection of 76 films from 39 countries. These films will be distributed across various sections, including the "Official Competition", "Celebratory Screenings", "Horizons", "The Eleventh Continent", "Panorama of Moroccan Cinema", and "Young Audience and Family" screenings. Additionally, there will be films presented as part of the tributes for this edition.
Among the selected films, 10 will have their world premieres, while 12 films have received support from the "Atlas Workshops", the festival's program dedicated to cinema industry development and talent nurturing. Notably, 11 films will represent their countries in the Oscars. The Official Competition will feature 14 long films, which are either the first or second works of their directors, competing for the Golden Star award given by a jury led by actress Marion Cotillard.
The competing films reflect the diversity of perspectives among the new generation of global filmmakers regarding the contemporary world. For instance, "Banimana" by Marie-Clémentine Dasabaka Gombe, addresses the issue of reparations after the Rwandan genocide. In contrast, Abdullah Al-Khatib's "Chronicles of a Siege" portrays the daily life of people trapped in war. Other films, such as "House of the Wind" by Auguste Bernart Koumo Yanngo, and "Congo Boy" by Rafiki Fariala, showcase stories of hope and resilience.
The festival will also feature films that explore themes of identity, love, and social change. For example, "Sad Girls" by Fernanda Tovar, examines the complexities of female friendships after a sexual assault. Similarly, "The World of Before" by Yoon Dan-bi, presents a sensitive portrayal of first love. Jessica Jeneus' "Mary Madeleine" offers a poetic tribute to freedom. These films demonstrate the richness and diversity of contemporary cinema.
The "Celebratory Screenings" section will include highly anticipated films, such as "Laila and the Night" by Felipe Barbosa, and "Weakest Creature" by Omar Hilal. The festival will also pay tribute to several artists, including director Andrew Hay, and actors Gustave Kervern and Suzanne Landron. Furthermore, the "Horizons" section will feature 21 films that showcase the vitality and diversity of global cinema.
The festival's program also includes a "Panorama of Moroccan Cinema" section, featuring six films, as well as a "Young Audience and Family" section with 11 screenings. In total, 11 Moroccan films will participate in various sections of the festival, alongside three films shot in Morocco. The event aims to promote Moroccan cinema and provide a platform for emerging talent.
The 23rd Marrakech International Film Festival will take place from November 20 to 28, 2026, at the Palais des Congrès, Cinéma Colisée, and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech. The festival's diverse program offers something for everyone, from thought-provoking dramas to entertaining comedies. With its rich selection of films, the festival is set to be an exciting celebration of world cinema.
Key points
- The festival features 76 films from 39 countries, with 10 films having their world premieres.
- The "Atlas Workshops" have supported 12 films, and 11 films will represent their countries in the Oscars.
- The festival program includes various sections, such as "Official Competition", "Celebratory Screenings", and "Horizons".
