Celebrating Arab Cinema at the Casablanca Film Festival
The 7th edition of the Casablanca Arab Film Festival has officially kicked off in Morocco, showcasing approximately 30 films that are vying for recognition. The inaugural day of the festival features a diverse lineup of films from various Arab nations, including Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, and Morocco itself. Among the highlights of this year's festival is the honoring of notable figures in the film industry, specifically the Egyptian actress Samah Anwar and the Moroccan director Ahmed Boulan. The festival's jury is chaired by the renowned Palestinian director Rashid Masharawi, ensuring a prestigious selection process for the competing films.
Diverse Film Selection and Special Events
This year's festival includes a robust selection of films with 12 entries competing in both the long feature and documentary categories, alongside 17 short films in their respective competition. Additionally, a non-competitive segment titled "Arab Stories" will showcase various films that resonate with the festival's theme. The first day of screenings includes notable titles such as the Algerian film "Night Watchers," the Jordanian film "Ambush," the Palestinian documentary "The Forgotten Uprising 1958," the Moroccan feature "Behind Closed Curtains," and the Egyptian film "Complaint No. 713317," all presented at the Abdel Samad Kenfawi Hall in Casablanca.
The festival is organized by the Association for Cultural Extension and Development in collaboration with the Casablanca City Council, supported by the Moroccan Cinematographic Center. The event is set to run until July 24, 2026, promising a rich exploration of Arab cinema and culture.
As reported by france24.com.
