A New Wave of Moroccan Cinema Celebrated at Tangier Film Festival
Tangier, Morocco – The film–festival-unveils-24th-edition-jury-members/” title=”Tangier National Film Festival Unveils Jury for 24th Edition”>24th edition of the Tangier National Film Festival concluded on Saturday, October 26th, having showcased a vibrant new generation of Moroccan filmmakers. The festival, running from October 18th, served as a platform for emerging talent to present their work and connect with audiences and industry professionals.
Abdelaziz Boujdaini, acting director of the Moroccan Cinematographic Center (CCM) and Secretary General of the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, praised the festival’s role in fostering the next generation of cinematic voices. He emphasized the importance of the festival in providing a space for young filmmakers to share their stories and perspectives, reflecting the diversity and richness of Moroccan identity.
The festival wasn’t just about screenings. It also featured a range of parallel activities, including panel discussions and workshops, offering insights into contemporary issues facing the film industry. These events provided valuable opportunities for filmmakers to learn, network, and engage in critical dialogue about the future of Moroccan cinema.
Boujdaini highlighted the significant presence of women in this year’s festival, particularly within the jury, which included prominent female figures from the film industry. This representation underscores the growing recognition and empowerment of women in Moroccan cinema.
The festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse voices aligns with global trends in filmmaking. According to a recent study by the University of Southern California’s Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, representation of women and people of color in film has seen significant improvement in recent years, reflecting a growing demand for authentic and inclusive storytelling.
The top prize, the Grand Prix, was awarded to Kamal Lazraq’s film “Gangs.” The film explores themes of crime and social inequality in contemporary Morocco, offering a powerful commentary on the challenges faced by marginalized communities.
Other notable awards included the Jury Prize for “God’s Land” by Imad Benomar and the Best Documentary award for “White Lie” by Asmae El Moudir. The festival also introduced a new award, the Special Mention Prize, which was given to Chahrazed Chennoufi for her film “Siri Takes Control.”
The Tangier National Film Festival continues to play a vital role in promoting Moroccan cinema both domestically and internationally. By providing a platform for emerging talent and fostering dialogue about the future of filmmaking, the festival ensures that Moroccan stories continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
