Marrakech 2025: When will the International Film Festival Become a ‘Summit of the Greats and a ‘Star Factory’?

DISCOVER MOROCCO

The ocher city of Marrakech is preparing to host the most important cinematographic event in the region, the 22nd edition of the International Film Festival, which will be held from November 28 to December 6, 2025, This event, which goes beyond the traditional concept of festival to become a international crossroads shaping the future of cinema, will present a unique program of 82 films from 31 countries, confirming Morocco’s position as the « Hollywood of North Africa » and a center of influence for the visual arts, this edition draws a complete and carefully designed cinematographic map, distributed between the Official Competition, the Gala Sessions, the Horizons section, the Eleventh Continent, the Panorama of Moroccan Cinema, screenings for Young Audiences and the Family, as well as the Tributes. 

Official Competition, the Emergence of Stars under the Presidency of Bong Joon-ho The Official Competition is the launching platform for daring talents and young directors (first or second films only), Fourteen cinematographic works compete for the Golden Star, the jury is chaired by the legendary Oscar-winning director, Bong Joon-ho, raising expectations for works that boldly address political and social issues

This constellation includes notable films such as: Behind the Palm Trees (psychological thriller about class and the effects of colonialism), First Light (Filipino ethical drama), and Before a Bright Day (retelling of the 1996 Taiwan Crisis), Strong Female Voices Stand Out also with films like: Sky Without Land (Tunisian female solidarity against racism), and Aïcha cannot fly (Sudanese fantasy thriller about women’s freedom)

We should also note the moving documentaries, Memory and Baba and Gaddafi, which revisit the collective memory of childhood in Chechnya and Libya, celebration of the Giants and Launch of Expected Works The Festival will open with The Dead Man’s Thread by the brilliant director Gus Van Sant, a black comedy critical of the media and capitalism, the Gala Screenings will see the world premiere of highly anticipated films featuring Arab and international stars: Zanga Malaka by Maryam Touzani (living portrait of the Spanish community in Tangier), La Star by Marwan Hamed (biography of Oum Kalthoum, played by Mona Zaki), and Sofia by Dhafer L’Abidine

The skies of Marrakech will also light up with special tributes to the giants of cinema: actress Jodie Foster, legendary director Guillermo del Toro, and veteran Egyptian artist Hussein Fahmy, Exploring New Horizons and World Itineraries The sections are expanding to offer the public and professionals opportunities for discovery: Horizons: Brings together 19 contemporary films, mixing the works of great directors and new discoveries, with a notable Arab presence including What remains of you by Cherien Dabis

The Eleventh Continent: Dedicated to free and daring world cinema, which has been praised by critics, far from traditional constraints, Panorama of Moroccan Cinema: Presents seven films, including the world premiere of In the Eyes Moroccan films by Karim Debbagh and Porte-bagages by Abdelkrim El Fassi, bringing the total of participating Moroccan films to 15 films in the different nth sections, highlighting the Festival’s support for national production

In addition, the Young Audience and Family section offers 13 varied screenings to root cinematic culture among new generations. In summary, the 22nd edition of the Marrakech Festival is not just a simple showcase of films; it is the embodiment of a strategic vision aimed at transforming the city into an international cinematic powerhouse, bringing together masters of the Seventh Art and emerging talents, and confirming its commitment to supporting bold narratives that address human, political and social issues.