Marrakech International Film Festival

The festival was founded in 2001 and runs for about nine days at the start of December, with a competition weighted towards first and second features, tributes to established figures, and a programme that has increasingly leaned towards Arab, African and Asian cinema rather than only the international circuit. Its guest lists have been substantial and the red carpet gets the press coverage. The part that matters more is the free screenings on the Jemaa el-Fna: a large screen is put up in the square and films are shown at night to several thousand people, many of whom would not otherwise go to a cinema, with the mix of Moroccan features and international titles chosen for a crowd rather than a jury. The festival did not run in some years, including a pause around 2020, and the dates shift, so it is worth confirming before planning a trip around it.

History

The festival was created in 2001 on the initiative of King Mohammed VI, advised by the French producer Daniel Toscan du Plantier, who led its first editions, and a foundation was set up to run it before the second edition in 2002 (Wikipedia, Marrakech International Film Festival).

What you'll find

• A first and second feature competition - weighted towards new directors.
• Free square screenings - a large screen on the Jemaa el-Fna to several thousand people.
• A regional lean - Arab, African and Asian programming alongside the circuit titles.
• A December run - about nine days at the start of the month, dates shifting by year.

When to go

Late November to early December; confirm the dates. Several days.

Good to know

The festival has been paused in some years and dates move. Competition screenings need tickets that go quickly. Accommodation prices rise sharply that week. Square screenings are crowded and standing.

Nearby

The Jemaa el-Fna hosts the free screenings; the Palais des Congrès is in Gueliz.

Key facts