The city of Rabat is preparing to host the 30th edition of the International Author’s Cinema Festival, which will take place from November 8 to 14, 2025. This leading cinematic event is one of the most prestigious film festivals internationally, bringing together a select group of filmmakers from around the world to exchange experiences, discover new works, and showcase over 150 films, including numerous world premieres.
This edition will honor the Sultanate of Oman as the guest of honor, and will offer both audiences and professionals a variety of new releases and exceptional events.
In line with its ambition to promote demanding and committed author cinema, the festival this year will provide a space for exchange and dialogue, featuring a rich and diverse program. The festival will honor several global figures, including the famous Egyptian actress Laila Elwi, one of the most prominent faces in Arab cinema, Burkinabé director Apolline Traoré, Lebanese actor and playwright George Khabbaz, as well as Moroccan cultural and artistic figure Nour Eddine Afia.
The official competition will include both short and feature films, and will open with the world premiere of “Quazi Grazia,” directed by Italian filmmaker Pietro Marcello. Alongside global cinema, a curated selection of films dedicated to African cinema will spotlight the vibrancy of storytelling and aesthetics on the continent.
This competition will be judged by an international jury headed by French actor, director, screenwriter, and producer Jean-Claude Barny, alongside Moroccan producer Karim Debbagh, Iranian producer Elaheh Nobakht, Burkinabé actress and director Maimouna Ndiaye, Dutch director Margiet De Jong, young Moroccan director Khawla Sahabi, and Moroccan director and writer Hicham Lasri, known for his bold and subversive works.
Among the new features of this edition is a documentary film competition that will highlight artistic and committed creations, overseen by a jury led by Moroccan director, screenwriter, and producer Asmae El Moudir. The festival will also welcome, for the third consecutive year, a jury from the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI).
A section dedicated to children will promote storytelling and cinematic tales for young audiences, featuring global films in both Arabic and French. Another key innovation in this 30th edition is the establishment of a film market, the first of its kind in Morocco, aimed at fostering exchange and interaction among film professionals, producers, directors, and film enthusiasts.
Training will be a significant part of the festival, featuring meetings, conferences, roundtable discussions, and workshops led by professionals in directing, production, and screenwriting. The festival’s closing session will present the film “Dream of Artificial Intelligence,” a tribute to the visionary imagination of contemporary cinema, with the presence of distinguished guests.
Through this 30th edition, Rabat reaffirms its role as a cultural capital that bridges tradition and innovation by celebrating author cinema as a medium for dialogue between cultures, creativity, and human reflection in the contemporary world.
