Strengthening Film Criticism in Morocco and Beyond
According to a statement from the organizers, the upcoming workshop is part of the Atlas Programs, which serve as a collective framework for various professional initiatives overseen by the Marrakech International Film Festival Foundation. This initiative aims to support, train, and nurture a new generation of cinema professionals in Morocco, the Arab world, and Africa. The programs are rooted in the Atlas Workshops, which represent the historical nucleus of the platform and are designed to enhance the tools available for mentoring cinematic talents while contributing to the structural development of the film industries in the region.
The source further clarified that this event marks the fifth session of the training and skill development workshop in film criticism organized by the foundation since 2024. Previous editions have been dedicated to journalists and students in journalism and cinema, fostering a space for dialogue, reflection, and the exchange of experiences regarding the critical practice of cinematic works. Since its inception, the workshop has attracted participants from various Moroccan media outlets, who have benefited from practical exercises focused on film analysis, critical writing, and interviewing techniques with filmmakers, thereby enriching the analytical and writing skills of specialized journalists.
Workshop Details and Participation Requirements
This session will be led by renowned French film critic Charles Tesson, a prominent figure in the realm of film criticism in France. Tesson has held significant roles, including editor-in-chief of "Cahiers du Cinéma" from 1998 to 2003, and general delegate of the "Critics' Week" at the Cannes Film Festival from 2012 to 2021. He also serves as a professor of film history at the New Sorbonne University – Paris III and has published several reference works on notable figures in the history of world cinema.
The program for the first day of the workshop will cover topics related to the history, ethics, and functions of film criticism, along with an analysis of critical texts about a film. The second day will be dedicated to screening a feature film, followed by discussions and exercises in film analysis to prepare for writing a critical text, as well as addressing the methodology of conducting interviews and organizing a practical writing workshop.
Participation in the workshop is free, but seats are limited. The sessions will be conducted in both Arabic and French, with simultaneous translation provided. Interested applicants must be active journalists in Morocco and possess a professional press card. The foundation has opened applications until June 26, 2026, via the official website of the Marrakech International Film Festival.
As reported by ar.le360.ma.
