Prince Moulay Rachid: The International Film Festival Solidifies Its Role as a Bridge for Dialogue and Talent Discovery
Prince Moulay Rachid, President of the Marrakech International Film Festival Foundation, affirmed that the festival has established itself since its early editions as a platform for dialogue and discovery, serving as a space that brings together cultures and highlights new talents in the cinema world.
In a statement published on the festival’s official website in conjunction with its twenty-second edition, scheduled from November 28 to December 6, 2025, the prince noted that the festival has successfully positioned Morocco among the most significant cinematic events globally over two decades, with a special focus on new voices from the Arab region and the African continent, as well as those contributing to the shaping of contemporary cinema.
Prince Moulay Rachid emphasized that this direction is further reinforced by the launch of several new programs under the umbrella of “Atlas Programs,” which include Atlas Workshops, Atlas Platform, Atlas Distribution Program, and Atlas Press. He confirmed that these initiatives reflect the festival’s commitment to supporting the new generation of filmmakers at various stages of production, distribution, and critique.
The prince highlighted the growing role of Atlas Workshops, which have become a primary space for training, guidance, and talent discovery, hosting directors, producers, cinema students, and emerging critics from Morocco and the Arab world, along with Africa, and providing them with intensive working sessions and meetings with international professionals, as well as real opportunities for professional development.
He also acknowledged the inaugural launch of the “Atlas Distribution Meetings” program during the 2025 edition, a program bringing together sixty professionals from Africa, the Arab world, and Europe, aimed at promoting the circulation of cinematic works and showcasing new narratives within the global scene.
Additionally, Prince Moulay Rachid confirmed that the festival continues to honor its mission of celebrating pioneers of the seventh art, announcing that this year’s edition will pay tribute to four prominent figures: Moroccan actress Rawiya, American actress Jodie Foster, Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmy, and Mexican director Guillermo del Toro.
He added that the jury, chaired by Korean director Bong Joon-ho, reflects the values of diversity and artistic rigor that characterize the festival, highlighting that the visions of its members will contribute to uncovering new talents who present stories that express contemporary challenges and the richness of shared identities.
Furthermore, he underscored the special significance of the “Dialogues” program, which offers the audience an opportunity to meet global personalities and engage in discussions about their experiences and journeys.
The prince concluded his statement by affirming that the 2025 edition takes place in a world undergoing major transformations, where cinema remains a universal language capable of fostering closeness and enlightening communities. He expressed hope that this edition contributes to reinforcing the values of dialogue and building a more just and cohesive world.
