Shafshoun is gearing up to host the 14th edition of the International Festival of Childhood and Youth Film from July 10 to 12, under the theme “Cinema and City Twinning.” This year’s festival will welcome filmmakers and creatives from 14 countries, aiming to promote cultural dialogue and openness through the art of cinema.
Cultural Exchange Through Film
The festival’s theme underscores the belief in cinema’s role as a bridge for communication and collaboration between cities and societies. Various cultural and historical venues across Shafshoun, including the historical Wata Hamam Square, the Kasbah, the Kasbah Theater, and Dar Chabab, will host the festival’s activities, fostering an atmosphere of cultural richness and artistic exchange.
A Diverse Line-up of Cinematic Works
This year’s official program features 16 short films competing for awards, along with 8 special screenings organized in collaboration with the Tarifa International African Film Festival. A dedicated segment for children’s cinema will showcase 10 animated films. The festival will kick off with a screening of the Moroccan film “Africa Blanca,” featuring the attendance of its director, Azzaar El Alawi, and will conclude with the Spanish film “Leo&Lou,” directed by Carlos Solano.
Notable Jury and International Participation
The jury includes prominent figures from Morocco, Spain, Tunisia, and Chile, led by Moroccan director Azzaar El Alawi. The panel also features Spanish actress Mai Miliro, the director of the International Sousse Festival, Anwar El Hawa, Chilean director Bastian Castillo, and Moroccan director and producer Moulay Tayeb Bouhanan. The festival will also host an official delegation from Vejer de la Frontera, Spain, demonstrating the event’s international dimension and strengthening cultural cooperation between Morocco and Spain.
Honoring Artistic Excellence
This year, the festival will honor Moroccan actor Omar Lotfi and Spanish actor Jesus Castro for their artistic contributions. The competing films will vie for the festival’s grand prize, the jury award, and accolades for best directing, best screenplay, best actor, and best actress.
Workshops and Discussions
In addition to screenings, a parallel program will feature a seminar on co-production in cinema between the two shores of the Mediterranean, with industry professionals from Morocco, Spain, and Tunisia participating. Workshops focused on cinematography and screenwriting, along with “master classes” and the FCFEJ LAB space, aim to encourage networking among filmmakers, producers, and industry stakeholders.
The organizers emphasize that the festival has established itself as a significant annual event in the cultural and cinematic landscape, highlighting childhood and youth cinema, fostering a culture of image, supporting cinematic creativity, and promoting cultural exchange. This endeavor significantly contributes to positioning Shafshoun as an internationally recognized cultural and cinematic destination.
