The Tunisian film "Aghtarab," directed by Mehdi Hemili, has won the top prize at the 30th Tangier Mediterranean Film Festival in Morocco. The festival, which concluded on Saturday, October 10, 2026, in Tangier, recognized "Aghtarab" as the best film. The movie competed against other notable films, showcasing the rich cinematic talent from across the Mediterranean region.
The film festival's closing ceremony, held at the Spanish Cinema in Tangier, also saw the jury award going to the French film "Che Guevara: The Last Companion," directed by Christophe Demetriou Rive. This film, which explores themes of revolution and camaraderie, resonated with the jury and audience alike. The festival is a significant event in the cinematic calendar, celebrating films that promote cultural understanding and exchange.
In addition to the top prize, the festival also awarded prizes in various categories. The Best Actress award went to Moroccan actress Safaa Khatmi for her role in the film "Mira," directed by Nourredine Khammari. Meanwhile, Moroccan actor Omar Lotfi won the Best Actor award for his role in the same film. These awards highlight the exceptional talent of Moroccan and international actors and actresses.
The Italian film "Il Mio Cuore," written and directed by Margherita Spampinato, won the First Work Award. This film, which tells a poignant story, impressed the jury with its originality and direction. The festival's recognition of emerging talent is a testament to its commitment to nurturing new voices in cinema.
The "Tangier Workshops" section of the festival, which focuses on supporting and developing young cinematic projects, also announced its winners. Moroccan screenwriter Oussama Oussus won the first prize for his feature film project "Al-Tabi'a." The second prize went to Zainab Chafshawni Moussaoui for her documentary project "26 Letters of Love." The third prize was awarded to Lebanese screenwriter Ghada Dwa for her documentary project "Perinice and I."
The 30th Tangier Mediterranean Film Festival took place from October 3 to 10, 2026. The event honored several notable figures in the film industry, including Moroccan director Hisham El Asri, Cypriot actress Bobby Afram, and Italian director Peter Marzi. These tributes acknowledge the significant contributions of these individuals to the world of cinema.
The festival's success is a testament to the enduring power of cinema to bring people together and celebrate cultural diversity. As a platform for showcasing new talent and promoting cultural exchange, the Tangier Mediterranean Film Festival continues to play a vital role in the cinematic landscape of the Mediterranean region and beyond.
Key points
- The Tunisian film "Aghtarab" won the top prize at the 30th Tangier Mediterranean Film Festival.
- The festival awarded prizes in various categories, including Best Actress and Best Actor.
- The "Tangier Workshops" section supported young cinematic projects, awarding prizes to emerging talent.
