Marrakech – From April 26 to May 3, Tetouan will roll out the red carpet for the 30th edition of its Mediterranean Film Festival — a milestone that proves storytelling knows no borders.
This festival has been a love letter to Mediterranean cinema for the past three decades. It has been a place where cultures meet on screen and conversations spill into the streets.
And this year, it’s pulling out all the stops, paying tribute to three cinematic forces: Moroccan filmmaker Nabil Ayouch, French documentarian Nicolas Philibert, and Spanish actress Aida Folch.
Nabil Ayouch
A pillar of Moroccan cinema, Nabil Ayouch has spent his career capturing the aspirations of a society in motion.
From “Ali Zaoua” to “Much Loved” and “Everybody Loves Touda,” his films push boundaries and spark conversation.
“Everybody Loves Touda,” selected for Cannes and FIFM, made history as the first Moroccan film to qualify for major Oscar categories and all categories of the 2025 César Awards.
Nicolas Philibert
A master of documentary filmmaking, Nicolas Philibert crafts deeply human stories that challenge our perceptions of reality.
From the global success of “Être et avoir” to “Le Pays des sourds” and “La Moindre des choses,” his films explore the delicate line between silence and speech, normality and difference.
In 2023, “Sur l’Adamant,” his poignant look at a mental health day center, won the Golden Bear at Berlinale.
Aida Folch
Hailing from Tarragona, Aida Folch has become a leading figure in contemporary Spanish cinema.
At just 14, she landed her breakout role in “Le Sortilège de Shanghai” under Oscar-winning director Fernando Trueba.
Soon after, she starred in “Los lunes al sol,” which won Best Film at the San Sebastián Film Festival, solidifying her place on the big screen.
A fierce competition for prestigious awards
Ten feature films and documentaries from across the Mediterranean will compete for top honors, including the Grand Prix “Tamouda,” the Mohamed Reggab Special Jury Prize, the Azzeddine Meddour Award for Best First Feature, and acting prizes for male and female performances.
A jury led by Italian filmmaker Daniele Luchetti
Known for his sharp social insights, Daniele Luchetti will preside over the jury.
A major voice in Italian cinema, his award-winning films — including La Nostra Vita and Lacci — have earned acclaim at Cannes, Venice, and Berlin.
Joining him are:
Asmae El Moudir (Morocco) – Acclaimed director and producer, recognized for The Mother of All Lies, a Cannes and IDFA-winning hybrid documentary.
Isabel Machado (Portugal) – Producer and festival director, a key figure in the independent Lusophone cinema scene.
Amir Ramsis (Egypt) – Filmmaker and El Gouna Film Festival’s artistic director, known for his socially engaged documentaries and fiction films.
- T. Binh (France) – Screenwriter, director, and film historian, dedicated to preserving and celebrating cinema’s legacy.
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The Mustapha Mesnaoui critics’ jury
Alongside the main competition, the Mustapha Mesnaoui Critics’ Jury will honor a film for its artistic vision and critical depth.
Bringing together three esteemed critics and journalists, this jury highlights the festival’s commitment to sharp analysis and cinematic excellence.
Fatima Ifriqui (Morocco) – A leading voice in Moroccan cultural journalism, known for her sharp and insightful film critiques.
Cédric Lépine (France) – European film critic specializing in independent cinema and new cinematic narratives.
Federico Pontiggia (Italy) – Journalist and critic writing for top publications, frequently serving on international juries.
Rooted in cinephilia and discovery, the Tetouan Mediterranean Film Festival has established itself as a vital platform for emerging talent and bold storytelling from across the region.
