Casablanca – The Ouezzane Spring International Film Festival is set to hold its second edition from April 9-12, spotlighting Afro-Asian independent cinema and fostering cultural exchange.
According to the festival organizers, the pre-opening day on April 9 will feature a diverse cultural program. It will begin with a masterclass led by a distinguished filmmaker, followed by a book reading and discussion session, and a seminar on Afro-Asian cinema and cultural exchange.
The following days will include film screenings across both competition and panorama sections.
This edition features five films in competition , including two Moroccan productions: “Le Lac Bleu” by Daoud Aoulad-Syad and “Radia” by Khaoula Assebab Benomar. The other contenders are China’s “Blue Star Outside the Window” by Zhu Yiran, Burkina Faso’s “Waongo” by Augusta B. Palenfo, and Côte d’Ivoire’s “Amlan” by O. Assi.
Beyond the competition, the “Panorama Films” section will showcase additional films. These include the Republic of Congo’s “À Quand l’Afrique ?” by David-Pierre Fila and China’s “Yi Wu: The City of Wonder” by Iram Ghufran.
The organizers have also announced this year’s jury, featuring screenwriter and writer Otmane Acheqra, actress and director of Al Mansour Theatre Bouchra Ahrich, and filmmaker David-Pierre Fila. This lineup brings together a diverse range of perspectives and expertise across different areas of the film industry.
This year’s edition will feature China as the guest of honor, highlighting the influence of Chinese cinema on global filmmaking through its poetic visuals and storytelling. The choice also reflects the longstanding cultural ties between Morocco and China, rooted in historical exchanges such as the ancient Silk Road.
With this edition, the festival further strengthens its role as a meeting point for Afro-Asian cinema and cultural exchange. It offers a space where diverse cinematic voices can engage, connect, and reach wider audiences.
