The city of Oujda is set to host the 15th Maghreb International Film Festival, a major cultural event that brings together filmmakers and audiences from across the region. The festival, which was established in 2012, has become a prominent platform for showcasing the best of Maghrebi cinema. This year's edition will take place from October 16 to 21, 2026, and will feature a range of films, including long and short films, as well as animations and documentaries.
The festival's organizing committee has announced the lineup of judges for this year's competition. Moroccan filmmaker and screenwriter Nour Eddine Lkhamari will head the long film jury, alongside prominent figures from Senegal, Tunisia, Madagascar, and France. Meanwhile, filmmaker Adel Fadlili will lead the short film jury, which includes representatives from the Congo and Italy. The committee has also announced that the festival will focus on developing young talent, providing ongoing training and mentorship opportunities throughout the year.
As part of its efforts to promote cultural exchange and cooperation, the festival's organizing committee has signed several partnerships and memoranda of understanding with cultural institutions and organizations. These partnerships aim to strengthen ties between the film industry and the academic community, as well as promote the development of digital culture in the region. The festival's organizers believe that these partnerships will help to create new opportunities for filmmakers and industry professionals.
The festival's theme, "When the World is in Darkness, Cinema Shines", reflects the importance of cinema as a source of inspiration and hope. The event will feature a range of films that showcase the diversity and richness of Maghrebi cinema, as well as its contribution to the global film industry. The festival will also include workshops, masterclasses, and other events that provide opportunities for filmmakers to network and learn from each other.
In addition to the film screenings and competitions, the festival will also feature a range of cultural events and activities. These will include concerts, exhibitions, and performances that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Morocco and the Maghreb region. The festival's organizers believe that these events will help to promote cross-cultural understanding and exchange, and to foster greater appreciation for the region's rich cultural diversity.
The 15th Maghreb International Film Festival is expected to attract a large and diverse audience, including filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts from across the region. The festival's organizers are confident that the event will be a major success, and that it will help to promote the development of cinema in Morocco and the Maghreb region. The festival will provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work, and to connect with audiences and industry professionals from around the world.
Key points
- The 15th Maghreb International Film Festival will take place in Oujda, Morocco, from October 16 to 21, 2026.
