The 11th edition of the Ibn Jirir Film Festival was inaugurated in the city of Ibn Jirir, this year celebrating under the theme “Cinema as Art and Commitment.” The event, which encompasses both artistic passion and social awareness, saw significant attendance from filmmakers, critics, and artists from Morocco and abroad.
This cultural appointment, organized by the Panorama Association for Culture and Development in partnership with the Specialized Institute for Cinema and Audiovisual, reaffirms the festival’s status as a bridge for artistic and intellectual exchange between generations, providing a space that champions the presence of the seventh art within the heart of the Rahamna region, through the support and encouragement of emerging talents to innovate and experiment.
This year’s edition features 23 films from 11 countries, competing in the official categories of feature films, short films, and documentaries, judged by panels comprising notable figures from the Moroccan, Arab, and international cinematic spheres, bestowing a renewed global dimension to the festival.
In his opening speech, festival director Nour Eddine Djami emphasized that “cinema is only complete when it remains close to the concerns of the people and the pulse of daily life,” asserting that the festival aims to make art a tool for reflection and change. He pointed out that Spain’s selection as the guest of honor reflects an appreciation for its distinguished cinematic experience and the festival’s openness to world cultures.
The inaugural ceremony was marked by poignant moments, including a tribute to the late artist Mohammed Choubi for his illustrious career, alongside a special recognition for artist and director Rashid El Wali for his continual contributions to Moroccan cinema.
The festival’s program will extend until October 10, featuring training workshops, intellectual seminars, and masterclasses led by specialized filmmakers and critics, in an initiative aimed at sharing expertise, polishing young talents, and enhancing awareness of cinema’s role as a cultural and developmental driver.
