Prince Moulay Rachid : Marrakech International Film Festival Boosts Morocco’s Cinematic Industry
Prince Moulay Rachid, President of the Marrakech International Film Festival Foundation, highlighted the festival’s significant contribution to Morocco’s cinematic industry since its inception in September 2001. He emphasized that the festival has successfully attracted some of the world’s brightest film stars, establishing Morocco as a premier destination for major international productions and fostering the development of the national film industry.
In a statement published on the festival’s official website on the occasion of its 21st edition (scheduled to take place from November 29 to December 7), Prince Moulay Rachid noted that the festival, following the directives of King Mohammed VI at its founding, has maintained a steadfast commitment to supporting young Moroccan cinematic talent. Over the years, the festival has supported hundreds of filmmakers, encouraging the rise of a new generation of creators. Among them is Asmae El Moudir, a young Moroccan director who became the first to win Marrakech’s prestigious Golden Star Award for her film The Mother of All Lies, which had previously received support from the festival’s Atlas Workshops, where it won accolades over two editions.
Prince Moulay Rachid highlighted that this success story is a source of inspiration for future generations and a reflection of the progress in Morocco’s film industry, which produced 34 films last year. To further enhance the national cinematic ecosystem, this year the festival has expanded the Atlas Workshops program by introducing new initiatives, including the launch of the Atlas Platform, a dedicated program for young Moroccan professionals. This platform aims to enhance their skills and open doors for global opportunities.
Additionally, Prince Moulay Rachid emphasized the importance of film critics and journalists in the cinematic production process, describing their contributions as vital. He announced that the festival has developed programs tailored for these professionals to improve their qualifications and support the continued growth of Morocco’s film industry.
The prince also announced that the artistic programming for the 21st edition of the festival will feature three significant tributes:
- Naïma Lamcharki, a late icon of Moroccan cinema.
- Sean Penn, the acclaimed American actor and two-time Academy Award winner.
- David Cronenberg, the legendary Canadian filmmaker.
The jury for this edition, tasked with discovering emerging talents, will be chaired by the renowned Italian director Luca Guadagnino, known for his exceptional aesthetic and creativity.
In conclusion, Prince Moulay Rachid expressed his pleasure in welcoming attendees to this year’s festival, emphasizing its role as a platform for cultural exchange, a celebration of expertise, and a heartfelt message of dialogue and peace across the globe.
