Celebrating Cinema in Saïdia
The picturesque coastal town of Saïdia will serve as the backdrop for the 11th edition of the 'Cinema Without Borders' Festival, taking place from August 26 to 30, 2026. This highly anticipated event is organized by the Al Amal Association for Coexistence and Development, showcasing a commitment to cultural enrichment and artistic expression. The festival is set to take place at the Saïdia Marina, with the backing of various esteemed organizations, including the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, the Moroccan Cinematographic Centre, the Berkane Province Prefecture, the Saïdia Development Company, the Regional Tourism Council, and the local municipality of Saïdia.
This annual festival plays a pivotal role in enhancing tourism and the artistic landscape of Saïdia, providing a platform for audiences to explore the latest innovations in cinema. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage with both Moroccan and international filmmakers and artists, fostering an environment of cultural exchange and collaboration. A total of 12 films will compete for prestigious awards, including categories for Best Direction, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, and Best Actress. Additional accolades such as the Jury Prize, the Grand Prix 'The Blue Pearl' for feature films, and the 'Orange Prize' for short films will also be awarded.
A Celebration of Talent and Creativity
Leading the jury for this year’s festival is renowned director Adil Fadhili, accompanied by a distinguished panel including actor Hicham Bahloul, writer-journalist Abdelaziz Koukass, actress Jalila Talemsi, and university professor Fouzia Borj. The festival will honor both Adil Fadhili and Jalila Talemsi for their substantial contributions to the film industry over the years, recognizing the impact of their work on Moroccan cinema.
In addition to film screenings, the festival will feature a series of conferences and roundtable discussions focusing on the film industry in the Oriental region. Highlights include a masterclass led by Adil Fadhili and Jalila Talemsi, as well as a workshop on screenwriting hosted by writer and screenwriter Abdelilah Hamdouchi. The overall mission of the Saïdia Festival is to promote cinematic culture in the Oriental region, showcasing Moroccan and international creativity while emphasizing values of openness, tolerance, and coexistence among peoples.
As reported by maroc.ma.
