Rabat – Morocco’s Prince Moulay Rachid emphasized the importance of the Marrakech International Film Festival as a pivotal event in the global cinematic landscape.
The prince made his remarks in a message celebrating the festival’s 21st edition, emphasizing the flagship cultural event’s role in energizing the national film industry and nurturing local talent.
Running from November 29 to December 7, the event is among Morocco’s prestigious symposiums, contributing its commitment to supporting emerging filmmakers.
“Since its historic inception in September 2001, the Marrakech International Film Festival succeeded in bringing together the biggest names in global cinema, solidifying Morocco’s position as a leading destination for major foreign film productions,” the Prince said.
He also renewed Morocco’s commitment to supporting young filmmaking talents through different initiatives, including the Atlas Workshops.
Launched by the Festival Foundation in 2018, the workshops have become a “true incubator of regional talent,” he argued.
The foundation has supported hundreds of project holders and fostered the emergence of a new generation of filmmakers, including young Moroccan director Asmae El Moudir, who for the first time in the history won the Golden Star in Marrakech, the prince added.
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The message emphasized that Morocco has expanded the Atlas Workshops program in 2024 by launching several other initiatives including the Atlas Station.
According to the prince’s statement, the program aims to assist young professionals in developing their skills with the goal of opening up internationally. Film critics and journalists are “at the heart of our development strategy,” he said, stressing that these experts’ contribution is essential for the projected transformation of the Moroccan film industry.
“We have organized training sessions for these professionals to support the growth of our industry,” he said.
This year’s festival will celebrate and pay a tribute to different personalities, including Naima Elmcherqui, an iconic figure in Morocco’s cinema, who recently died.
The tribute will also include two-time Oscar-winning actor and director Sean Penn and cult Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg.
“The Marrakech International Film Festival is pleased to welcome you, to make this moment of culture and altruism a vessel of emotion and sharing, and a message of dialogue p and peace in the world,” the prince concluded.
