Marrakech – Essaouira is about to get a taste of la dolce vita. From April 23 to 26, the city will host the third edition of Les Rencontres du Cinema Italien, a festival celebrating Italian cinema with screenings, discussions, and cultural exchanges.
This year, the spotlight is on women. The lineup includes films that highlight female stories, emotions, and artistry.
One standout is Womeness by Yvonne Sciò, a documentary featuring five exceptional women, including writer Dacia Maraini and politician Emma Bonino.
For the first time, Moroccan and Italian cinema will be in conversation, with three Moroccan films showcasing the country’s growing influence in global filmmaking.
Moroccan cinema has been making waves internationally, and this is a chance to see why.
Young film lovers won’t be left out. A special program will bring 250 students daily to screenings, complete with guides and discussions.
There will also be masterclasses with industry professionals and a screenplay competition, where three winners will get their work recognized.
The festival will close with a short film made by students, proving that cinema is not just for watching — it’s for creating.
Behind it all is the Association Essaouira Mogador, founded by Andre Azoulay in 1992.
Known for bringing world-class cultural events to Essaouira (like the famous Gnaoua Festival), the association is once again turning the city into a meeting point of art, heritage, and storytelling.
