Lights, Camera, Action: Tangier National Film Festival Announces Jury for 24th Edition
The highly anticipated Tangier National Film Festival is back! Set to run from October 18th to 26th, the 24th edition, held under the patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, promises a vibrant celebration of Moroccan cinema. One of the most exciting announcements leading up to the festival is the unveiling of the esteemed jury members who will have the challenging task of selecting the winners.
Leading the pack for the Feature Film Competition is renowned director and screenwriter, Mohammed Mouftakir. Joining him on this cinematic journey are a diverse group of experts including:
Latifa Baqa: Professor and Writer
Najlae Benmbarek: Journalist and Communications Consultant
Meryem Ajraoui: Academic and Researcher
Al Bashir Al Dakhil: Writer and Political Analyst
Issa Serge Coelo: Director, Screenwriter, and Producer (Chad)
Nabil El Jay: Artist and Lyricist
This esteemed panel reflects the festival’s commitment to showcasing a multifaceted view of filmmaking.
The Short Film and Documentary Competition jury will be spearheaded by director and screenwriter, Khaoula Assebab Benomar. Her team comprises:
Souad Zaateroui: Journalist
Fousseyni Maiga: General Director of the National Center of Cinema in Mali
Said Mazouari: Film Critic
Rachid Boutounes: Director and Producer
This blend of expertise ensures a comprehensive evaluation of the diverse films in competition.
The festival’s commitment to recognizing excellence extends to documentaries and student films as well. The Documentary Film Competition jury, led by director and academic, Jamila Ouanabe, includes journalist Houria Boutib and academic and film critic, Habib Nassri. Meanwhile, Latifa Ahrar, Director of the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts and Cultural Activities, will preside over the Film Schools and Institutes Competition jury, joined by academic and literary critic, Sanaa El Gouati, and director and academic, Az El Arab Alaoui Lamharzi.
With a total of 22 awards up for grabs across various categories, the stakes are high. The Feature Film Competition boasts the lion’s share with 14 awards, while the Short Film and Documentary Competition, Documentary Film Competition, and Film Schools and Institutes Competition offer 3, 3, and 2 awards respectively.
Beyond the awards, the festival offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Attendees can look forward to screenings of the latest Moroccan films, engaging cinematic activities, and a special “Panorama” segment dedicated to showcasing feature films, documentaries, and short films that didn’t make it to the competition but deserve recognition. The festival also serves as a vital platform for industry professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and foster collaborations.
The Tangier National Film Festival continues to be a beacon of creativity, celebrating the power of cinema to inspire, provoke, and entertain. With its impressive jury lineup and diverse programming, the 24th edition promises to be a memorable event for filmmakers and film enthusiasts alike.
