The 7th Edition of the Al Akhawayn Short Film Festival: A Celebration of Young Talents in Moroccan Cinema
The 7th edition of the Al Akhawayn Short Film Festival will take place from April 3 to 5 in Ifrane, in partnership with the Association of Alumni of Al Akhawayn University of Ifrane (UAI). This festival will feature 11 students from various prestigious institutions, including ESAV Marrakech, ISMAC Rabat, the American University of Cairo, and Al Akhawayn University of Ifrane, competing for the grand prize.
With 104 students hailing from 28 different institutions, 31 films have been selected for this edition, following a rigorous evaluation by a selection committee composed of four cinema professors. The official selection of films was announced on March 7.
This festival has become a key event for emerging cinematic talent in Morocco, providing an opportunity for young filmmakers to showcase their work before a distinguished jury, chaired by Meryem Benm’Barek, an award-winning director recognized 11 times for her film Sofia. The jury also includes Abdenbi El Benioui, an internationally renowned actor known for his role in Le Mont Moussa, alongside director Anass El Gad.
The festival stands out for its commitment to promoting creativity without imposing registration fees, prior experience, or artistic and technical restrictions, thus offering an inclusive platform for young filmmakers.
The closing ceremony and awards presentation will take place on April 5, featuring highlights that spotlight the winners of this edition. This ceremony will also pay tribute to Izza Genini, a pioneer of documentary filmmaking in Morocco, who has contributed to the preservation and immortality of the country’s cultural heritage. Her latest film, “Meqbouline, The Hosts of Timliline”, will be screened as a premiere during the event.
The evening will conclude with the screening of “My Father is Not Dead” by Adil El Fadili, marking its debut after winning the Grand Prize at the 23rd edition of the National Film Festival in Tangier.
