Lugano – Ouarzazate International University Film Festival is set to launch its first edition from April 28-30, bringing together young filmmakers and academics from around the world.
The festival program is set to feature a mix of screenings, discussions, and masterclasses, giving participants the chance to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals from various fields.
Participants, particularly students in film and audiovisual fields, will also take part in conferences and practical workshops designed to support artistic development.
Designed as both an educational and collaborative space, the event will emphasize experimentation and new approaches to storytelling, reflecting the evolving nature of contemporary cinema.
The festival will also honor local film technicians and industry professionals whose contributions have helped establish Ouarzazate’s reputation as a global filmmaking hub.
It will further explore digital media and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
The event will celebrate figures from Moroccan, the Arab world, and international cinema, highlighting the diversity of cultural influences shaping the industry today.
The festival aims to establish itself as a platform connecting academic research with creative practice, encouraging innovation and dialogue within the global film community.
A tribute to Japanese cinema
A key highlight of the inaugural edition will be a tribute to Japanese cinema, featured as the festival’s Guest of Honor.
Known for its narrative depth, and philosophical storytelling, Japanese cinema has had a lasting impact on filmmakers worldwide.
Through this focus, the festival will explore both classical and contemporary works, as well as emerging cinematic narratives and visual aesthetics.
It will also examine the relationship between tradition, modernity, and technology, offering audiences a broader understanding of Japan’s film heritage.
The tribute will include a panorama of Japanese film screenings, academic discussions, and exchanges with filmmakers and scholars, encouraging cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration.
