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: A Celebration of Young Moroccan Cinema Talents
The 7th edition of the Al Akhawayn Short Film Festival will take place from April 3 to April 5 in Ifrane, in partnership with the Alumni Association of Al Akhawayn University (UAI). This festival will feature a competition among 11 students from several prestigious institutions, including ESAV Marrakech, ISMAC Rabat, the American University of Cairo, and Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, all vying for the grand prize.
A total of 104 students from 28 different institutions submitted their work, resulting in 31 films selected for this edition after thorough evaluation by a selection committee of four film professors. The official film selection was announced on March 7.
This festival has become a cornerstone event for emerging filmmaking talents in Morocco, providing them the opportunity to present their work to a prestigious jury led by Meryem Benm’Barek, an award-winning director recognized 11 times for her film Sofia. The jury also includes Abdenbi El Benioui, an internationally acclaimed actor known for his role in Le Mont Moussa, as well as director Anass El Gad.
The festival stands out for its commitment to promoting creativity without imposing registration fees, prior experience requirements, or artistic and technical restrictions, thereby creating an inclusive platform for young filmmakers.
The closing ceremony and awards presentation will occur on April 5, highlighting the winners of this edition. The ceremony will also pay tribute to Izza Genini, a pioneer of the documentary format in Morocco, who has played a vital role in preserving and immortalizing the nation’s cultural heritage. Her latest film, “Meqbouline, Les Hôtes de Timliline,” will be premiered during the event.
The evening will conclude with the screening of “My Father is Not Dead” by Adil El Fadili, marking its premiere after winning the Grand Prize at the 23rd National Film Festival in Tangier.
