Fez — The Rabat International Auteur Film Festival (FICAR) is preparing for its 31st edition, scheduled to take place from November 7 to 14, with a special tribute to the late Moroccan filmmaker Mohamed Ahed Bensouda.
The festival announced the dates on its official Instagram account, confirming that this year’s edition will celebrate Bensouda’s artistic legacy through a program dedicated to memory, creativity, and the transmission of cinematic knowledge.
The Moroccan director and screenwriter died in February at the age of 56, leaving behind a body of work that examined social issues, human relationships, and the experiences of Moroccan women.
Moroccan cinema takes center stage
This year’s festival will place particular emphasis on Moroccan filmmaking, with organizers announcing a special edition dedicated to national cinema.
Each day will feature a red-carpet event highlighting a Moroccan film, its creative team, or an influential figure from the country’s film industry.
According to the organizers, the program will also include national and international competitions featuring feature films, short films, and documentaries from different countries.
Special screenings, filmmaker tributes, and parallel events will accompany the competitions, bringing together established directors, emerging talents, and cinema enthusiasts.
The festival will also offer masterclasses, discussions with filmmakers, and professional meetings designed to encourage exchanges between Moroccan and international cinema professionals.
Activities for younger audiences and families are also planned.
Remembering Mohamed Ahed Bensouda
Born in Tetouan in 1969, Mohamed Ahed Bensouda studied history and French literature in Fez before pursuing filmmaking in France.
He developed a career spanning feature films, documentaries, and television productions, often exploring the social realities of contemporary Morocco.
Among his notable works is “The Divorcees of Casablanca” (2023), a drama examining the experiences and struggles of divorced Moroccan women.
His films received recognition at festivals in Morocco and abroad, while his commitment to socially engaged filmmaking earned him a place in the country’s contemporary cinema landscape.
Bensouda died on February 3, 2026, in France. His passing prompted tributes from filmmakers, critics, and cultural institutions.
Dedicating its 31st edition to his memory aims to celebrate his contribution to Moroccan cinema while introducing his artistic legacy to new generations.
Founded in 1994, the Rabat International Auteur Film Festival has established itself as a platform for independent filmmaking and cultural exchange.
The complete film selection, jury members, and participating guests for this year’s edition have yet to be announced.
