Celebrating the Best in Short Films
The Marrakech Short Film Festival has concluded its sixth edition, showcasing an impressive array of nearly 400 films from 90 countries. This year’s event not only highlighted the rich diversity of global cinema but also provided numerous networking opportunities for industry professionals. Through a series of screenings and meetings, the festival created a vibrant atmosphere that fostered collaboration and creativity among filmmakers.
Introducing AMANAR: A New Professional Platform
On the final day of the festival, AMANAR, a newly launched professional platform, was officially concluded. Over the course of two days, twelve international professionals guided five Moroccan projects within the Development Lab, offering invaluable working sessions and pitch opportunities aimed at advancing these creative endeavors. Three projects stood out and were recognized for their potential: Zahra Berrada's 'Fragments of an Ordinary Day' won the ZINEBI Industry Award, 'Unsettled' by Maria Dobli Bennani received the Atlantis Studios Marrakech Post-Production Prize, and Saad Benidir's 'Avant Première' secured the AMANAR Award for Best Pitch.
As the closing ceremony unfolded, the winners of the international competition were revealed. The Belarj Award for Best Director was awarded to Italian filmmaker Giacomo Bendotti for his work on 'The Bridge,' while the Nakhil Award for Best Film went to Egyptian directors Abderrahmane and Saad Dnewar for 'My Brother My Brother.' The international jury also gave a special mention to 'The Experiment' by Kazakhstan's Maxim Akbarov, and 'What If They Bomb Us Tonight' by Lebanon's Samir Syriani received the Jury's Favorite award.
Equally impressive was the recognition of Moroccan talent during the closing night. Sanaa El Alaoui took home the Belarj Award for Best Director for her film 'Aicha.' The Behja Award for Best Actor/Actress was awarded to Sandia Tajdine for her role in 'Les Liens invisibles' by Aymen Ben Slimane. The Nakhil Award for Best National Film was given to 'Two Ways' by Yassine Iguenfer, while 'Phone Breaker' by Hamza Atifi was honored with the Jury's Favorite award in the national category. Additional accolades included the Menara Award for Best Documentary, which went to Eiman Mirghani for 'Villa 187,' and the Festival’s Favorite award, presented to Australian filmmaker Radheya Jang for 'Trading Cards.'
As reported by femmesdumaroc.com.
