Marrakech Short Film Festival Announces its 6th Edition
The Marrakech Short Film Festival (MARRAKECHsFF) is set to take place from September 25 to 30, 2026, in the vibrant city of Marrakech. This year, the festival has received an impressive submission of over 400 short films from more than 90 countries across all five continents, showcasing a diverse array of cinematic talent and creativity. The festival promises to transform several significant venues throughout the city, including the historic Palais Badii, the interactive Cyber Park, the Institut Français de Marrakech, Meydene, The Folk, and the World Storytelling Café. These locations will serve as dynamic platforms for international guests, Moroccan professionals, and local audiences to come together and celebrate the art of filmmaking.
Showcasing Emerging Talent and International Works
This edition will shine a spotlight on a new generation of Moroccan filmmakers through its national competition. Five films are vying for the prestigious Belarj Prize, featuring works like "Fading Candle" by Ismail Ait Lahcen, "Aicha" by Sanaa El Alaoui, "Two Ways" by Yassine Iguenfer, "Mesk Ellil" by Rami Adnane, and "Behind the Curtain’s Edge" by Kacem Skalli. Additionally, the Nakhil Prize will showcase three films, while the Behja Prize will highlight four distinct works. Outside of competition, four additional Moroccan productions will also be presented, emphasizing the depth and variety of local storytelling.
Internationally, the festival will present films from countries such as Italy, Iraq, China, Portugal, Australia, Lebanon, Kazakhstan, Egypt, Spain, the United Kingdom, South Korea, and Japan. Notable selections include "The Bridge" by Giacomo Bendotti, "Where The Balloon Led Me" by Yasmeen Waleed, and "Dog Alone" by Marta Reis Andrade, among others. Furthermore, films from Cambodia, France, Saudi Arabia, and Spain will also be featured outside of the competitive sections.
This year's festival will honor Malta as the featured country, showcasing nine short films from Malta that encompass fiction, animation, and documentary genres. The participation of Malta aims to foster stronger cultural ties and mutual understanding between Malta and the Kingdom of Morocco, as expressed by the Consul General of the Republic of Malta, who stated, "I am honored that Malta is the guest country for the 6th edition of the Marrakech Short Film Festival." This initiative highlights the festival's commitment to promoting cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration in the realm of cinema.
As reported by lnt.ma.
