Fez – Two Moroccan short films — “Where To, Maryam!” by Amin Zariouh and “With the Wind” by Inas Laher — will represent Morocco at the 5th edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival, taking place in Jeddah from December 4 to 13, 2025.
Both films have been selected for the official competition for Arab short films, joining a lineup of 11 works from across the region, including Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates.
Zariouh’s “Where To, Maryam!” explores the fragile dynamics of a marriage on the brink of collapse. As Maryam attempts to mend what’s broken, she realizes that some secrets lie too deep to heal. Intimate and visually poetic, the film captures themes of emotional distance and resilience with quiet intensity.
Meanwhile, “With the Wind” by Laher tells the story of a florist preparing to say goodbye to his small shop and the memories it holds — until an unexpected moment reignites his sense of purpose. The film’s contemplative tone and soft cinematography reflect Laher’s delicate approach to portraying solitude, hope, and rebirth.
The inclusion of these two Moroccan titles underscores the growing presence of Moroccan cinema on the international stage, particularly within Arab film festivals that are increasingly highlighting authentic and diverse regional voices. Both directors belong to a new generation of Moroccan filmmakers whose storytelling blends introspection, realism, and social reflection.
Among the other notable films in competition are “Beyond Reason” by Iraq’s Nia Nouraldin, “Resonance” by Saudi director Sarah Balghunaim, “The Sea Remembers My Name” by Egyptian filmmaker Hussein Hossam, and “And If They Bombed Here Tonight?” by Samir Siryani from Lebanon.
According to the festival organizers, this year’s selection reflects the new wave of Arab cinematic creativity, presenting stories that delve into human emotions and cultural realities through innovative visual languages.
With “Where To, Maryam!” and “With the Wind”, Morocco continues to affirm its place as a vibrant hub of artistic storytelling — one where local narratives meet universal emotions, and where cinema becomes a bridge between introspection and shared human experience.
