The 23rd edition of the Marrakech International Film Festival will take place from November 20 to 28, 2026, with the participation of 39 countries.
For this 23rd edition, the Marrakech Festival will showcase 76 films from 39 countries, including ten world premieres. Twelve of these productions were supported by the Atlas Workshops, while eleven are representing their respective countries in the race for the Oscars.
Screenings will be held at three iconic city venues: The Palais des Congres, the Le Colisee cinema, and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.
Presided over by French actress Marion Cotillard, the jury will be tasked with evaluating the 14 debut or second feature films competing for the Golden Star (Étoile d’or). The selection includes “Ben’imana” by Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo – which explores the path toward reconciliation following the genocide against the Tutsi – as well as “Congo Boy” by Rafiki Fariala and “Furies” by Rami Kodeih, a heist story set against the backdrop of the crisis in Lebanon.
Additionally, three female directors from Mexico, South Korea, and Haiti offer unique perspectives on intimacy and the personal journeys of female characters.
Three films will also have their world premieres: “Alkebulan” by Yassine Marco Marroccu, “Waves of Silence” by Farzad Samsami (filmed in Morocco), and “Les Chiffonniers du Caire” by Rani and Salem
Massalha.
The festival will open with “Mona,” a comedy directed by Jesse Eisenberg and starring Julianne Moore. The gala screenings will feature two world premieres: “Leila and the Night” by Fellipe Barbosa – inspired by the life of Moroccan photographer Leila Alaoui – and “His Weakest Creatures” by Omar Hilal, starring Ahmed Helmy and Hend Sabry.
Several renowned filmmakers will be in attendance in the “Ochre City,” including John Turturro, James Gray, and Luca Guadagnino. The latter will present “Artificial,” a film chronicling the rise of Sam Altman, played on screen by Andrew Garfield.
Representing Morocco, Laila Marrakchi’s “La más dulce” will carry the Kingdom’s banner in the
selection for the Oscars.
The “Horizons” section will showcase 21 films, highlighting major figures in contemporary cinema, with new works by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Cristian Mungiu, Paweł Pawlikowski, Hirokazu Kore-eda, and Nanni Moretti.
Arab cinema will hold a prominent place in this section. Audiences will also have the chance to discover “The Roses of Marrakech” by Ginevra Elkann, starring Fanny Ardant and filmed in
Morocco.
Meanwhile, the “11th Continent” section will feature 13 films, ranging from contemporary creations to restored heritage works, including “Nahla” and “Tilai.”
The “Panorama of Moroccan Cinema” will spotlight six productions.
“Bardi” by Tala Hadid will open this selection, which also includes three world premieres. In total, eleven Moroccan films will be presented during this edition, a testament to the vitality of the
nation’s creative output.
The “Young Audiences & Families” section offers 11 screenings for children, teenagers, and their families. Jamel Debbouze will present the animated film “The Girl in the Clouds” by Philippe Riche, while Mohcine Besri will unveil the world premiere of “All But My Mother,” featuring actors, such as Omar Lotfi and Abdellah Didane.
AK/Sf/fss/as/APA