Prince Moulay Rachid’s Vision Elevates Moroccan Cinema at the 21st Marrakech Film Festival

The festival starts tomorrow and runs until December 7.

Marrakech – The Marrakech International Film Festival isn’t just about films and the red carpet glam; it’s about crafting a legacy.

Under the visionary leadership of Prince Moulay Rachid, the festival has done wonders for Morocco’s film industry, fostering a new wave of talent and creating a space where local cinema can thrive.

In a statement published on the official festival website, the Prince, who is also the President of the Festival Foundation, talked about the event’s origins. “Since its historic birth in September 2001, the festival has succeeded in bringing together the biggest names in world cinema, thus cementing Morocco as a prime destination for major foreign productions.”

“Our desire to promote and support our young filmmakers has not wavered over the years and has allowed us, through various initiatives aimed at development and training, to give birth to the Ateliers de l’Atlas.”

As one of the festival’s standout initiatives, launched in 2018, Ateliers de l’Atlas has become a game-changer for emerging filmmakers.

It’s given hundreds of Moroccan, Arab, and African filmmakers the mentorship and resources needed to turn their visions into reality.

Take Asmae El Moudir, for instance. Her film “La Mère de tous les mensonges” (The Mother of All Lies), which was supported by Ateliers de l’Atlas, made history by winning the prestigious Étoile d’or at the festival.

Prince Moulay Rachid’s unwavering commitment to supporting young filmmakers continues with the expansion of this initiative and the introduction of initiatives like Atlas Station, which is designed to equip young Moroccan professionals with the skills and connections they need to break into the global market.

Film critics and journalists are “at the heart of our development strategy,” the Prince added, highlighting that their contribution is essential to the career of a film.

“We have scheduled training sessions for these professionals to support the evolution of our industry.”

The 21st edition of the Marrakech International Film Festival will pay tribute to three iconic figures: the late Naïma Elmcherqui, a luminary of Moroccan cinema; double Oscar-winning actor and director Sean Penn; and legendary Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg.

The jury, tasked with uncovering the most promising talents, will be led by acclaimed Italian director Luca Guadagnino, known for his refined artistic vision.

Adding to the excitement, the festival will host the “Conversations” event at Meydene Theater, offering attendees a chance to connect with cinema legends like Tim Burton and Alfonso Cuarón, further enriching the experience for filmmakers and fans alike.