Marrakech Festival 2025 Opens with Global Lineup, African Footprint & Big Ambitions

The 22nd edition of the Marrakech International Film Festival kicked off Friday, November 28 in Morocco with flair: red carpets, global stars, and a lineup that highlights Africa’s growing voice in world cinema.

What’s On the Slate

This year’s festival features 82 films from 31 countries, with selections spanning official competition, gala screenings, Moroccan Panorama, family programming, and more.

The official competition — judged by a star-studded jury headed by Oscar-winning director Bong Joon‑ho — includes entries from across the globe. Among the contenders is My Father’s Shadow by Nigerian-UK filmmaker Akinola Davies, signalling a strong African presence in what’s typically a Euro-centric festival circuit.

Also featured are new works from South Africa, Arab-world filmmakers, and globally connected co-productions, reinforcing Marrakech’s intention to be more than a regional festival — a global cinema crossroads.

Global Names, Local Resonance

The 2025 jury brings together an eclectic mix of talent: directors, writers and actors from four continents. Alongside Bong Joon-ho are established names and fresh voices — from Morocco, Algeria, Iran, the US, and Europe.

This kind of global-local curation is key: it amplifies African stories while positioning them for international visibility. For filmmakers from Lagos to Johannesburg to Cairo, that signal is loud and clear — your story can travel.

Institutional Investment: Atlas Workshop & Distribution Push

Beyond screenings, the festival is doubling down on infrastructure. Its “Atlas” initiative aims to support emerging filmmakers from Africa, the Arab world and beyond — offering mentorship, production support and distribution networking through Atlas Workshops, Atlas Distribution, and a newly launched Atlas Meetings with 60 industry professionals.

That level of support shifts Marrakech from annual showcase to catalyst for careers — especially for African creators seeking access to resources, funding, and global distribution channels.

For followers of African cinema and industry watchers alike: 2025’s Marrakech edition isn’t just another festival — it’s shaping up to be a turning point.