Launch of the 31st European Film Weeks in Rabat
The 31st edition of the European Film Weeks kicked off this Wednesday evening at the Renaissance Cinema in Rabat, with the screening of the feature film “Valeur sentimentale,” directed by Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Trier.
This cinematic event is organized by the European Union in Morocco, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, and the Moroccan Cinematic Center. The activities will continue until February 11, featuring a rich and diverse program of contemporary films that blend European and Mediterranean narratives.
In addition to Rabat, the European Film Weeks will also take place in other cities, including Marrakech from January 30 to February 6, and Casablanca from January 28 to February 4, aimed at bringing European cinema closer to broader audiences across the kingdom.
The opening film provided cinema enthusiasts with the opportunity to discover recent cinematic works that have received awards and are nominated for international accolades, along with a cultural discussion on the transformations of contemporary European cinema. The screening in Rabat saw a significant turnout, as audiences gathered to see this co-produced film from five European countries: Norway, France, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden.
“Valeur sentimentale,” awarded the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival in 2025 and nominated for nine Academy Awards, serves as a notable entry that highlights the richness and diversity of themes presented in this edition.
In his remarks at the event’s inauguration, the EU Ambassador to Morocco, Dimitris Tsan Tsif, stated that the European Film Weeks have evolved over the years from a mere cultural event into a space for sharing, dialogue, and mutual curiosity between Europe and Morocco.
Tsan Tsif noted that the 2026 edition has a special symbolic dimension, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the signing of the partnership agreement between Morocco and the European Union. He emphasized that cinema has the power to transcend borders and express shared human emotions despite cultural differences.
He also highlighted the relevancy of the topics addressed by the films in this edition, such as family, the transmission of knowledge, memory, and contemporary beliefs, as well as the individual’s place amid rapid global transformations. Furthermore, he pointed out that the program includes short films from the southern Mediterranean, enhancing dialogue between established cinematic experiences and emerging voices, with symbolic pricing for screenings to facilitate broader audience access.
The European Film Weeks, which have become an annual fixture for cinema lovers, aim to showcase the diversity and richness of European cinematic production through a selection of works that reflect the plurality of perspectives, styles, and artistic sensibilities on the continent.
