Fez — The Centre Cinématographique Marocain (Moroccan Cinematographic Center, CCM) has launched the first edition of its short film scriptwriting residency in Rabat, marking a new step in Morocco’s efforts to support emerging filmmakers in fiction and animation.

Organized throughout March and April, the residency is the result of a partnership between the CCM, the Fondation de l’Institut Supérieur des Métiers de l’Audiovisuel et du Cinéma (Foundation of the Higher Institute of Audiovisual and Cinema Professions, FISMAC), and the Institut Français du Maroc (French Institute of Morocco, IFM).

According to a statement from the CCM, the program targets young Moroccan directors and screenwriters developing short fiction or animated film projects.

A structured space for emerging talent

The residency aims to provide selected participants with a dedicated creative environment where they can focus on script development while engaging with mentors and peers. Organizers described the initiative as a professional and stimulating framework designed to strengthen storytelling skills and refine cinematic concepts.

Mentorship for the animation projects is led by Vanessa Chenaie, a literary consultant and co-screenwriter specializing in animated cinema. Fiction projects are supervised by Moroccan screenwriter and director Yasmine Benkiran.

Following an open call for applications, the organizing committee received 78 eligible submissions, including eight animated short films and 70 fiction projects.

Selected projects across animation and fiction

In the animation category, the committee selected five projects: “MODIF’S” by Anas Belgazzar, “ACHOURA” by Firdaousse Arami, “WANTED” by Ichrak Lehmouch, “Hejayat” by Asmaa Benassou and Sami Assouli, and “FATI LA POULE” by Ilias Khlifat.

For fiction, the chosen projects are “2 Frères” by Ines Lehaire, “Quelque part, ailleurs!” by Doha Safsafi, “When the Branch Bends” by Zakaria Dinia, “Requiem tangérois” by Alia Ben Hida, and “Les Oliviers” by Mehdi Smairy.

A reading and selection committee oversaw the evaluation process. It included CCM representative Soukaina Sentissi, FISMAC President Hakim Belabbes, Mohammed Beyoud, audiovisual and cinema officer at the French Institute of Morocco, film critic and academic Saïd El Mezouari, and Vanessa Chenaie for the animation segment.

Strengthening Morocco’s script development ecosystem

Through this first edition, the CCM and its partners have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Morocco’s national scriptwriting landscape and accompanying emerging voices in both fiction and animation.

Short films often serve as an entry point into the industry, allowing filmmakers to test ideas and build portfolios before moving to feature-length productions. By investing in early-stage writing and mentorship, Moroccan institutions are signaling that script development is a strategic priority for the country’s cinematic future.

As Morocco continues to expand its presence in regional and international film circuits, initiatives like this residency reflect a broader effort to nurture talent at home while raising the creative standards of national productions.