Organized by the Cultural Initiative Association, this year’s festival features a distinctive logo celebrating two decades of cinematic artistry.
Marrakech – The city of Agadir is set to sparkle as it hosts the 20th International Film and Migration Festival, one of the most significant cultural events on both the Moroccan and international stages.
This year’s festival will blend the art of cinema with the pressing themes of migration between November 11-16, providing an ideal platform to illuminate the challenges and opportunities faced by migrants across the globe.
The 2024 Agadir Festival emphasizes cinema’s transformative power as a tool for social and cultural change, especially in relation to migration and integration.
Participants from various countries, including filmmakers and directors, will present their works that reflect the rich tapestry of migrant experiences and diverse human stories.
The official competition showcases eight feature films and ten short films, all produced in the past year and tackling migration issues head-on.
Among the highlights of the opening ceremony will be a tribute to the late Moroccan screen icon Naima Mashreqi, alongside celebrations of the works of renowned Moroccan director Ahmed el-Maanouni and Moroccan-Canadian actress Houda Rihani.
Organized by the Cultural Initiative Association, this year’s festival features a distinctive logo celebrating two decades of cinematic artistry.
The emblem features the number 20 alongside a tree, symbolizing roots and the exchange of civilizations – reflecting the festival’s mission to connect diverse cultures through art.
In addition to the competitive screenings, the festival will present a rich program of films outside the official competition.
Notable screenings include “Rhythms of Tamazgha” by Tariq al-Idrissi, “Boukassas Boutfounast” by Abdelilah Badr, and “Sahari Slem Wesaa” by Moulay Taieb Bouhanana, highlighting Amazigh stories and perspectives.
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The festival will also host a series of seminars addressing diverse topics, such as the role of cinema in reshaping narratives about migration, proposing practical measures in response to migration and environmental crises, and exploring the portrayal of migrants in film.
Esteemed figures like Driss el-Yazami, President of the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad, and Mohamed Charef, a member of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Migrants, will lead these discussions.
Head of the feature film jury, Moumen Smihi, noted the festival’s unique focus on the cinematic treatment of migration issues, setting it apart from other festivals.
According to the organizers, the 20th festival is a fantastic opportunity for audiences to experience the latest Moroccan film productions.
Notably, the film “Al Arabi” by Idriss Merini will be screened with audio descriptions for blind viewers, alongside “Dadous” by Abdelouahed Mujahid and “What Happens in Marrakech Stays in Marrakech” by Said Khilaf, specifically tailored for the inmates of Ait Melloul prison.
For aspiring filmmakers, the festival will also offer a series of training workshops and masterclasses at the New Media and Live Arts Centre “Wing.”
Renowned professionals, including cartoonist Mohamed El Khou, directors Hichem Regragui and Adel el-Fadili, and producers Mehdi Amsroui and Tawfik Rais, will lead these sessions, equipping the next generation with valuable skills.
Through this event, Agadir promises to be a vibrant hub where stories of migration come alive on screen, inspiring conversations and fostering connections that transcend borders.
