The 23rd Marrakech International Film Festival is set to take place from November 20 to 28, 2026, with a diverse program of 76 films from 39 countries. The festival will celebrate the richness of global cinema, with a focus on emerging talent and new perspectives. The event will feature a range of films, including 11 Moroccan productions and 10 world premieres. The festival's program includes the Official Competition, Out of Competition, and various side sections.
The Official Competition will feature 14 films, including 13 feature-length films and one short film. The competition will be presided over by a jury chaired by French actress Marion Cotillard. The films in competition will be vying for the Golden Star award. The selected films reflect a diverse range of themes and styles, from collective memory and the impact of war to social change and identity.
The festival will also feature a range of international productions, including films from the United States, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The program includes films directed by established directors, such as Jesse Eisenberg and Luca Guadagnino, as well as emerging talent. The festival's Out of Competition section will feature films such as "Mona," a comedy starring Julianne Moore, and "His Weakest Creatures," a film by Omar Hilal.
The festival will also celebrate Moroccan cinema, with 11 films featured in various sections of the festival. The Moroccan films will be showcased in the Panorama of Moroccan Cinema section, which will feature six films, including three world premieres. The festival will also honor several personalities from the world of cinema, recognizing their contributions to the development of the art form.
The festival's program also includes a range of side sections, such as the "African Perspectives" section, which will feature films from Africa and the African diaspora. The "Young Audience and Families" section will feature films and activities for children and young people. The festival will also host a range of industry events, including workshops and masterclasses.
The festival will take place in various venues across Marrakech, including the Palais des Congrès, the Cinéma Colisée, and the Musée Yves Saint Laurent. The event is expected to attract a large audience of film enthusiasts and industry professionals. The festival's organizers have announced that the event will be a celebration of the diversity and richness of global cinema.
The festival's closing ceremony will take place on November 28, 2026, and will feature a range of activities, including film screenings and awards ceremonies. The event will provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with audiences and industry professionals. The festival's program will be available on the festival's website and social media channels.
Key points
- The 23rd Marrakech International Film Festival will feature 76 films from 39 countries, including 11 Moroccan films and 10 world premieres.
- The festival's Official Competition will be presided over by a jury chaired by French actress Marion Cotillard.
- The festival will celebrate Moroccan cinema, with 11 films featured in various sections of the festival.