Fez — The 13th edition of the Casablanca International Film Festival opened Saturday evening under the theme “Cinema in the service of constants and unity: autonomy for the Moroccan Sahara as a model.”
Organized by the Association Leadership for Cultures in Anfa, the festival brings together filmmakers, artists, intellectuals, and researchers from Morocco and abroad.
The program frames cinema as a platform for cultural engagement, civic values, and the defense of national causes, with a strong focus on unity and collective responsibility.
Tributes to figures from Morocco and abroad
The opening ceremony included tributes to several cultural and artistic figures recognized for their contributions to cinema and public life. Honorees included Ram Kishore Parcha, President of the Delhi International Film Festival, alongside Moroccan artists Omar Lotfi, Tarik Boukhari, Rafik Boubker, and Leila Fadili.
The ceremony also highlighted the work of Ahmed Al Boukri, president of the Union of International Human Rights and Development Organizations, acknowledging his involvement in humanitarian and human rights initiatives.
Cinema as cultural soft power
The festival’s central theme positions cinema as a form of cultural soft power capable of shaping narratives and reinforcing national constants. The program emphasizes film as a tool for civilizational dialogue and cultural advocacy, particularly on issues linked to Morocco’s territorial integrity.
This edition features a mix of film screenings, professional training workshops, and intellectual encounters designed to encourage exchange between Moroccan and international participants. The approach reflects an ambition to strengthen Casablanca’s role as a regional hub for cultural and cinematic events.
Expanded competitions and focus on Indian cinema
A notable development this year is the inclusion of feature-length films in the festival’s official competitions, marking a new phase in its evolution. The expanded format aligns with broader shifts in both national and international cinematic landscapes, while maintaining support for emerging talent.
Indian cinema is the Guest of Honor for this edition. Special screenings and meetings with Indian directors and producers form part of the program, reinforcing cultural dialogue between Morocco and India.
A week of screenings, debates, and training
Running until January 14, the festival’s agenda includes short films, feature films, and documentaries, alongside training workshops aimed at skills development and professional exchange. A roundtable discussion dedicated to the festival’s central theme is also scheduled, as well as the screening of the documentary “The Mirage of Tindouf.”
The jury brings together Marwa Karouny, Nayess Ayman, Seddik Mekouar, and Mohsen Abou Dhafer, reflecting the event’s regional and international scope.
The Casablanca International Film Festival uses cinema not just for art, but also as a platform for cultural diplomacy, dialogue, and showcasing Morocco’s stories to the world.
