Gamal Ait Oufkir: MSFF Is More Than a Festival for Emerging Filmmakers
“The energy and capacity to bring people together” at festivals like MSFF can be transformative, leaving a lasting impression on both filmmakers and audiences alike.
Moroccan Hit Film ‘Ana Mashi Ana’ Returns to Cinemas
Two years after its original release, the movie is making history as the first Moroccan film to be re-released in cinema, following massive audience demand.
Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” Sells Out a Year Ahead
The Odyssey hasn’t hit the screen yet, but it’s already making history. Fez – In a world increasingly ruled by streaming platforms and small screens, Christopher Nolan is once again swimming against the digital tide. While Hollywood’s biggest studios fall over themselves to feed the Netflix generation, Nolan continues to defend the sanctity of the movie theatre. His upcoming film, “The Odyssey”, is shaping up to be his loudest statement yet in favour of cinematic spectacle, the kind that can only be experienced in the dark, in front of a massive screen, with a room full of strangers. This is not a new crusade for the British auteur. His 2020 film “Tenet” famously broke the pandemic-era box office drought by insisting on a theatrical release at a time when most of the world was still locked down. That bold move cemented Nolan not only as a filmmaker but also as a man on a mission: to protect the experience of “going to the movies” at a time when technological forces are determined to replace it. His most recent success, “Oppenheimer”, proved just how powerful that mission remains. The 2023 biopic surpassed cautious expectations to become a full-blown global event. It raked in hundreds of millions and swept the trophy season, with audiences treating it less like a film and more like a cultural chapter that simply had to be witnessed on the big screen. With “The Odyssey”, Nolan seems ready to push that idea even further. Tickets were released through IMAX channels a full year ahead of the July 2026 premiere, and promptly sold out, both officially and on the resale market. We are no longer talking about movie hype. We are talking about ritual. About fans scrambling not merely for a seat in a theatre, but for a stamp of attendance at what is already being treated as a moment in history. This marks Nolan’s second collaboration with Universal Pictures after the triumph of Oppenheimer. To complete the holy trinity, IMAX is back on board, continuing a long-running alliance that has defined many of his career highs, from “The Dark Knight” to “Interstellar” and “Tenet”. This time, however, Nolan is going further technically, shooting “The Odyssey” in the ultra-premium IMAX 1570 format, an extraordinarily high-resolution system only a handful of cinemas in the world are even equipped to show. That scarcity has helped turn the film into a frenzy. Some 1,800 tickets for four Melbourne IMAX screenings evaporated in a single night. Seats vanished across the U.S. and the U.K., even as resale prices climbed as high as $400. Jeremy F. of IMAX confirmed they have never seen anything like this, calling Nolan “the most valuable name in our business”. Universal has revealed almost nothing about the production locations, only that it was shot across multiple continents, keeping fans guessing. The cast, however, signals the scale: Charlize Theron, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Jon Bernthal, and Tom Holland, among others. Holland, speaking from the sidelines of the Europa League final, described working with Nolan as “the opportunity of a lifetime” and hinted that what he witnessed on set was unlike anything he had ever seen in cinema. Over the past quarter-century, Nolan’s films have earned the rare combination of box-office heft and intellectual admiration. He has mastered the art of knotting timelines, folding narratives back on themselves, and turning the very concept of reality into a puzzle. “The Odyssey”, inspired by Homer’s timeless saga of war, gods, journeying, and existential drift, appears to be his most ambitious exploration of time and myth to date. Leaked teaser clips, running just under two minutes, show swirling oceans, drowned ships, winged horses, flaming skies, and crowds that look more like ancient armies than extras. If this is even a taste of what’s to come, Nolan is not merely revisiting Homer. He is staging an all-out resurrection of epic cinema. His timing is deliberate. Just as James Cameron once refused to make more Avatar sequels unless box-office conditions were “right”, Nolan appears to be laying down his own challenge: if true cinema is dying, then this is his last stand. The real question, in an age of streaming algorithms and binge culture, is whether audiences are willing to fight alongside him. If early ticket sales are anything to go by, the war has already begun, and Nolan may be rewriting the rules before the film even hits the screen.
Moroccan Cinema Center Opens 2025 Oscar Film Submission Process
The North African country has never won an Academy Award, but things seem to be looking different this year.
‘28 Years Later’ Hits Moroccan Theaters: Danny Boyle’s Post-Apocalyptic Franchise Returns
The zombies are back, and this time, they’ve had 28 years to fester. Fez– It’s not every day that a horror franchise gets resurrected with such ambition, and even less often that it comes back with its original dream team. But Danny Boyle and Alex Garland, the duo behind the legendary “28 Days Later” and “28 Weeks Later”, have returned to remind us why we were afraid of rage-fueled, sprinting undead in the first place. Their new chapter, “28 Years Later”, crashed into Moroccan cinemas on June 20, 2025, distributed by Film Event Consulting. And yes, it’s every bit as unrelenting, psychological, and beautifully bleak as fans had hoped. Let’s be clear: this is not just a reboot or a dusty cash grab. It’s the first film in a “new” trilogy, meant to shake the bones of post-apocalyptic cinema all over again. The virus mutated. So did the storyline. In this third installment, we find the UK long gone, ravaged, abandoned, and overrun since the Rage virus escaped a lab 28 years ago. But life has a way of clinging on, even in the rubble. A small island community fights to build a fragile version of civilization. That’s where a father and son, probably not fans of comfort zones, decide to venture into the mainland to uncover what’s left of humanity, and maybe themselves. Boyle doesn’t offer comfort. The film drips with tension, oscillating between unnerving silence and violent chaos. Forget your usual zombie tropes, “28 Years Later” is more existential road trip than brain buffet. It’s a film that forces viewers to consider what’s left of our humanity when the world collapses… and what it takes to keep it alive. The cast: No slackers in the apocalypse You’ve got Jodie Comer (of “Killing Eve” fame) playing a survivor with nerves of steel and a haunted past. Aaron Taylor-Johnson brings emotional grit, while Ralph Fiennes, naturally, is the kind of tortured scientist you trust with your life and regret it 10 minutes later. Add Jack O’Connell, Erin Kellyman, Edvin Ryding, and more, and you’ve got a cross-section of post-humanity trying to keep hope on life support. Shot on location across Northumberland, Newcastle, and the eerily beautiful Lindisfarne Island, the film is a visual punch to the gut. Anthony Dod Mantle’s cinematography makes ruined cities look stunning, if you’re into that kind of thing, and the original score by Young Fathers? Think tribal chaos meets digital dread. Perfect for the end of the world. The next chapter, ominously titled “The Bone Temple”is already in the works for 2026. So consider “28 Years Later” your terrifying reentry into the universe of Rage. Read also: Morocco’s Historical Encounters with Foreign Powers
American-Iraqi Film ‘The Eagle’ Wraps Filming in Marrakech
Marrakech just wrapped another Hollywood-level production Fez– The red city is back on the big screen, this time starring in “The Eagle,” a new international film directed by American-Iraqi filmmaker Frank Gilbert (or Frank Gilbz, depending on your spelling mood). After several intense weeks of shooting across Marrakech and the scenic outskirts of Ourika, production has officially wrapped. And yes, this one’s more than just a pretty desert backdrop. “The Eagle” brings together a mix of Moroccan, American, Arab, and European talents in a multilingual cinematic experience that moves between Arabic, English, and more. The casting alone reads like a passport stamp collection: think Mansour Badri, Iman Mettouf, Iraqi actress Ayar Aziz, Italian actor Gianluca Scotto, and a host of U.S. performers. International isn’t just a buzzword here; it’s built into the script. Moroccan actor Anas El Baz, who features prominently in the film, described the project as a rare opportunity to dive into a multicultural production. According to SNRTnews, he said, “It’s the kind of artistic challenge that pushes you to shift between languages and performance styles, it’s how actors grow.” This marks his second experience working with an American crew, following his ongoing role in “The Road to Urmi”, which is still in production. But back to Marrakech, why do global directors keep coming back? The answer lies in the city’s cinematic charm. From the old medina’s labyrinthine alleys to the wild beauty of Ourika Valley, the region serves up a film set like no other. Add centuries of layered history and the ever-iconic North African light, and you’ve got catnip for filmmakers. In recent years, Marrakech has steadily become a hotspot for international productions, strengthening its reputation alongside Ouarzazate as one of Morocco’s two cinematic powerhouses. The country isn’t just a stand-in for exotic backdrops anymore; it’s becoming part of the story. “The Eagle” seems poised to fly far beyond the festival circuit. With its ambitious scale, global cast, and visually rich Moroccan settings, it’s a project that could very well soar into something bigger. And for the Moroccan talents involved, it’s another step toward bringing local voices into global cinema, not just in cameos, but in leading roles and storytelling. Read also: Nike’s First Indian Fashion Collaboration
June 2025 in Cinema: A Journey Across Genres and Continents
Moroccan theaters are about to light up with stories that travel far beyond the screen. Fez – As summer unfolds, Moroccan cinemas are set to showcase a diverse array of films that promise to captivate audiences with stories spanning action, animation, drama, and science fiction. Here’s a curated selection of the most anticipated releases this June: Ballerina Set in the John Wick universe, “Ballerina” follows a skilled assassin seeking vengeance for her family’s murder. Starring Ana de Armas, the film delves into the dark underworld of crime and retribution. It is scheduled for release on June 6, 2025. To a Land Unknown Directed by Mahdi Fleifel, this poignant drama explores the lives of two Palestinian cousins navigating the challenges of undocumented existence in Athens. The film has been showcased at various international festivals, including the Marrakech International Film Festival. The Phoenician Scheme Wes Anderson brings his signature style to this espionage adventure, weaving a tale of intrigue and humor. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 18, 2025, and is expected to reach Moroccan theaters soon. Lilo & Stitch Disney’s beloved animated classic receives a live-action makeover, capturing the heartwarming story of a young girl’s friendship with an alien creature. The film was released in Morocco on May 21, 2025 28 Years Later Directed by Danny Boyle, this third installment in the post-apocalyptic horror series continues the saga of survival against a backdrop of societal collapse. The film is set to release in Morocco on July 2, 2025. How to Train Your Dragon This live-action adaptation of the animated favorite tells the story of a young Viking who befriends a dragon, challenging his tribe’s perceptions. The film is scheduled for release on June 13, 2025. Elio Pixar’s latest animated feature follows a young boy who becomes Earth’s ambassador to the galaxy, embarking on a cosmic adventure filled with humor and heart. The film is set to release on June 20, 2025. F1: The Movie Starring Brad Pitt, this high-octane drama delves into the world of Formula One racing, capturing the thrill and intensity of the sport. The film is scheduled for release on June 27, 2025. June’s film lineup offers the perfect excuse to head back to the big screen. Read also: Bill Gates to Spend Most of His Fortune on Health and Education in Africa by 2045
Moroccan Artist Younes Megri Returns to Cinema with ‘Shadows of Caravaggio’
Younes Megri is back, but this time, he’s not singing; he’s soul-searching through cinema. Fez– After years of artistic silence, legendary Moroccan performer Younes Megri is stepping back into the spotlight, but not in the way you might expect. This time, he’s trading the stage for the screen, returning to cinema with a bold and introspective new film titled Shadows of Caravaggio Directed by Jihanne El Jouhari and produced by Hussein Hnine, the film isn’t your usual popcorn flick. It’s a work that breaks with convention, leaning into the philosophical, the poetic, and the deeply personal. Rather than telling a straightforward story, Shadows of Caravaggio explores the inner life of an artist: his questions, his doubts, and the thin, electrified line between suffering and creativity. Shot recently in Rabat, the film uses the city not just as a backdrop, but as an emotional landscape. Carefully chosen locations serve as visual metaphors, echoing the solitude of the artistic process and the quiet chaos of inspiration. The film’s style blends cinema and visual art, treating each frame like a painting and inviting the viewer to feel, not just follow. It’s less about plot, more about presence. This is Megri’s first film project in a long time, but it’s not just a comeback, it’s a reinvention. Known for his decades-spanning career in both music and acting, Megri takes on a complex role that draws on his own humanity as much as his craft. It’s the kind of part that seems written for someone who has lived many artistic lives, and Megri fits it like a glove. He’s joined by actors Saad Mouaffak and Ahmed Chafai, among others, in a film that quietly challenges the rules of narrative cinema. Together, they contribute to a piece that feels more like a visual meditation than a traditional movie, one that speaks to the viewer through beauty rather than exposition. And there’s more. Megri is also set to be honored at the 6th edition of the Casablanca Arab Film Festival, a well-deserved tribute to a figure who has shaped Moroccan culture for over half a century. From his early days as a founding member of the iconic band “Les Frères Megri” in the 1960s, to his evolution into a respected composer and film actor, Megri has never stopped expanding his artistic vocabulary. With Shadows of Caravaggio, he doesn’t just return, he reminds us who she is as an artist and what cinema can be when it dares to think, to feel, and to look beyond the obvious. Read also: Lady Gaga Joins the Cast of Netflix’s Wednesday for Season Two
Morocco’s High-Stakes Sci-Fi Adventure ‘Atoman’ Lands in Theaters Soon
Atlantis, the Atlas Mountains, and a deadly secret invite you to Moroccan theaters for a thrilling adventure. Fez– Morocco’s cinematic landscape is about to get a major shake-up with “Atoman”, an ambitious sci-fi action film set to take audiences on a thrilling ride through history, mythology, and high-stakes adventure. Directed by Anouar Moatassim, the film taps into Morocco’s rich cultural backdrop, weaving a gripping tale of ancient secrets, world-ending prophecies, and one man’s fight to prevent catastrophe. The film’s premise is straight out of an archeological fever dream: a mystical astrolabe; an artifact with the terrifying power to destroy the world, has been stolen from the lost city of Atlantis, which in the “Atoman” universe, is hidden deep in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. At the heart of the story is Hakim Imlil, a man who discovers he is one of the last descendants of the Atlanteans and must race against time to stop an impending cataclysm. Bringing the action to life is Youssef Akdim (also known as the rapper Lartiste) in the lead role as Hakim Imlil (Atoman). He’s joined by French actor Samy Naceri, along with Doudou Masta, Mourade Zeguendi, Sarah Perles, and Mehdi Baghdad. This international mix hints at a film that merges Moroccan heritage with global cinematic appeal. The Moroccan film industry has been gaining international recognition in recent years, but Atoman stands out for its first big-budget sci-fi narrative, a genre not typically associated with Moroccan cinema. With its blend of ancient myths, modern action, and a visually stunning Moroccan setting, it has the potential to elevate North African cinema to new global heights. What also makes “Atoman” intriguing is its exploration of Atlantis in Morocco, a theory that has long fascinated historians and conspiracy theorists alike. With Anouar Moatassim at the helm and a script written by Omar Mrani, expectations are high. As Morocco continues to position itself as a major player in the international film scene, “Atoman” could be the movie that cements the country’s place in the sci-fi genre. The release date is yet to be officially confirmed, but excitement is building. If you’re a fan of mythology-fueled action, Moroccan landscapes, and end-of-the-world adventure, keep “Atoman” on your radar. Read also: The Oldest Ceratopsid Fossil Ever Discovered in Morocco’s Boulemane
A Must-See Family Comedy Arrives to Morocco This January
Looking for ideas for family fun time with your parents? I got you covered! Marrakech – Tendansia presents “Teens on TikTok, Parents on the Brink”, a laugh-out-loud comedy directed by Pierre Léandri that promises to bring parents and teens together through humor. After winning over audiences in France with more than 700 successful performances, this intergenerational hit makes its way to Morocco for two exclusive shows: January 17 at Studio des Arts Vivants in Casablanca and January 18, at Theatre Bahnini in Rabat. Since its debut, “Teens on TikTok, Parents on the Brink” has delighted thousands with its relatable humor and sharp depiction of everyday family dynamics. Critics rave about the show: SortirParis calls it “an energetic celebration of teen stereotypes and family realities. 1h minutes 52 of guaranteed laughter,” while FnacSpectacles hails it as “a perfect family outing — highly recommended!” This comedy dives into the hilarity of generational misunderstandings between TikTok-obsessed teens and their tech-challenged parents. With skits drawn straight from real life — like a father accidentally washing a phone, cooking cold water pasta, or awkwardly crashing a TikTok live — the show expertly balances biting humor with heartfelt family moments. By amplifying relatable stereotypes, it paints an uproarious picture of daily life where tension and laughter collide. Whether you’re a parent rolling your eyes at TikTok trends or a teen groaning at “embarrassing” parents, this show is guaranteed to bring the house down — and maybe even bring families a little closer together.
