The National Film Festival in Tangier secured 7.5 million dirhams in government funding for its 25th edition,making it Morocco’s second-largest cinema event after the Marrakech International Film Festival,which received 12 million dirhams.
The festival that took place October 17-25,2025,under the patronage of King Mohammed VI,showcased Moroccan cinematic production across feature films,short films,documentaries,and student projects,with eligible works for competition completed in 2024 or 2025.
This milestone edition featured special tributes to legendary figures in Moroccan cinema. Director Ahmed Maanouni received honors during the opening ceremony,followed by a screening of his acclaimed 1982 film “Al Hal,” which earned enthusiastic audience reception. Actress Fatima Atif was celebrated during the closing ceremony for her exceptional collaborations with prominent Moroccan filmmakers.
The festival’s professional program included roundtable discussions on animation in Morocco,inter-generational conversations among directors,and a masterclass by filmmaker Hakim Belabbes,president of the fiction feature jury. These sessions addressed crucial industry topics including international financing opportunities,co-production possibilities,distribution challenges in Africa,and strategies for promoting independent films.
The fifth edition of the festival’s pitch competition featured nine selected projects in development or post-production phases,with participants receiving guidance from Moroccan and international experts. This initiative continues to nurture emerging talent and facilitate connections between filmmakers and potential investors.
Morocco allocated over 25 million dirhams to support 40 film festivals in 2025,with funding approved during committee meetings held July 22-25 at the Moroccan Cinematic Center headquarters in Rabat. The support comes after evaluation of 49 applications,with organizers defending their projects before selection committees assessing both artistic merit and structural coherence.
Professional development initiatives include specialized training sessions on project presentation techniques and comprehensive panels exploring the current state of Moroccan cinema. These activities foster in-depth discussions about financing mechanisms,production partnerships,and market access strategies essential for industry growth.
The festival reinforces Tangier’s position as a crucial platform for Moroccan cinema,bringing together established professionals and emerging talents while promoting dialogue between different generations of filmmakers and strengthening the national film industry’s international connections.
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