The Boujloud Film Fest is launching its Prologue 2026 today, October 30, in Rabat, bringing three days of horror, fantasy films, and conversations about the strange and supernatural. The festival is inspired by Boujloud, a traditional Moroccan character associated with animal skins, masks, and celebrations around Eid al-Adha. This cultural figure is lending its name to a festival exploring monsters, mythology, and the stories that scare us.
The festival will take place across ISMAC, Cinéma 7ème Art, and the Tatmin cultural space, featuring international films, short films, documentaries, and discussions with filmmakers and researchers. Some of the screenings include Reflet dans un diamant mort, Black Zombie, Mārama, and Sicko. The opening screening of Reflet dans un diamant mort is scheduled for 7 PM at ISMAC, with free admission subject to available seating.
Boujloud, also called Bilmawen in some regions, has long been part of Moroccan popular culture. The character is often associated with animal skins and masks, and is a recognizable figure in Moroccan folklore. The festival aims to connect Moroccan traditions with international fantasy cinema, showcasing a mix of local and global perspectives on horror and the supernatural.
The programme includes a range of films and discussions, offering something for fans of horror and fantasy cinema. The festival's organizers hope to give horror and fantasy cinema more visibility in Morocco, especially films that audiences don't usually see in commercial cinemas. This year's event is being presented as a prologue, laying the groundwork for a larger festival planned for 2027.
Moroccan culture has a rich tradition of myths, supernatural stories, and unsettling tales, and the festival aims to showcase more of these on screen. By exploring the intersection of Moroccan folklore and international fantasy cinema, the Boujloud Film Fest hopes to create a new space for Moroccan fantasy cinema. The festival's focus on horror and the supernatural offers a unique perspective on the genre.
The Boujloud Film Fest runs from October 30 to November 1, offering a unique opportunity for film enthusiasts to experience a range of horror and fantasy films in Rabat. With its focus on Moroccan folklore and international fantasy cinema, the festival promises to be an exciting and thought-provoking event. The free admission and varied programme make it an accessible and engaging experience for audiences.
Key points
- The Boujloud Film Fest is a new horror and fantasy film festival in Rabat, inspired by Moroccan folklore and culture.
- The festival features a range of international films, short films, documentaries, and discussions with filmmakers and researchers.
- The event aims to give horror and fantasy cinema more visibility in Morocco, with a larger festival planned for 2027.
