Inauguration of the 15th Meknes TV Drama Festival
Under the esteemed patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the 15th edition of the Meknes TV Drama Festival was inaugurated last night in the city of Meknes. Organized by the Free Presentation Association, this vibrant event runs from April 3 to April 7, 2026. The opening ceremony was presided over by the Governor of Meknes, alongside the President of the Fes-Meknes Regional Council, local elected officials, heads of external services, civil and military personalities, and representatives from national and local media. The festival also welcomed a star-studded lineup of Moroccan TV drama actors who shone in their performances during the recent Ramadan programming.
In his opening address, festival artistic director Saïd Aït Baga emphasized that this fifteenth edition marks the beginning of a new era for the festival. He pointed out that "15 years is not just a number; it represents a pulse that has endured, a dream believed in by the festival's founder Mahmoud Belhassen, alongside the late Aziz Allawi and Professor Safaa Mzankani." He further noted that the festival is not merely an event but a space for truth and a mirror of creativity, where new talents can emerge and new horizons can be opened.
The President of the Fes-Meknes Regional Council highlighted the festival's significance as a major national event within the cultural calendar, praising its role in enhancing Moroccan creativity in the field of TV drama and fostering the training of young talents. Additionally, the Vice President of the Meknes Municipality, in a welcoming speech, acknowledged the historical significance of Meknes and commended the Free Presentation Association for energizing the local cultural scene. He noted that the festival has achieved substantial qualitative and quantitative milestones, positioning it among the foremost artistic events nationally and reflecting the municipality's commitment to supporting significant cultural initiatives.
During the opening ceremony, artist Thouraya Allawi expressed her pride in having witnessed the festival's early beginnings, noting its transformation from a dream into a prominent national artistic event celebrating Moroccan drama. Fellow artist Mohamed Kafi, also honored during the ceremony, conveyed his deep appreciation for both the event and the city of Meknes, sending a heartfelt message to the residents: "The TV drama belongs to you, the people of Meknes." Meanwhile, producer Khaled Al-Nakri, in an off-the-cuff speech following his recognition, shared that being celebrated in the capital of the Ismaili region held special significance for him, affirming that he would have chosen to attend Meknes regardless of his commitments. He recounted key moments from his career, praising the talents emerging from Morocco’s vibrant cultural landscape.
As reported by meknespress.com.
