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The Marrakech Film Festival has established itself as a pivotal platform for showcasing the evolving film landscape in Morocco. Since its inception in 2001, the festival has reflected the growth of the local film industry, which has expanded from a handful of productions to approximately 40 films annually. This remarkable increase underscores various initiatives aimed at nurturing and supporting emerging cinematic talent.
Programs such as the Atlas Workshops have significantly contributed to bridging the gap between aspiring filmmakers and the global film community. Additionally, the Tamayouz Foundation, founded by a group of visionary Moroccan filmmakers, is dedicated to empowering women in the industry. By providing training, mentorship, and financial support, the foundation has witnessed a notable rise in participation and success among its female trainees.
New voices in Moroccan cinema
Among the emerging talents making a mark at the festival are filmmakers from diverse backgrounds, each enriching the cultural tapestry of Moroccan cinema. Below are four noteworthy individuals who are carving their own paths within the industry.
Meriame Essadak: a multifaceted producer
Meriame Essadak’s journey to becoming a producer has been anything but conventional. Transitioning from education and foreign services to marketing, she ultimately discovered her passion for film through the Tamayouz Cinema Foundation and the Atlas Workshops. Currently, she is working on three feature films, including Mohcine Nadifi’s psychological thriller, La Piste, which gained recognition by winning the Tangier Film Festival pitch competition.
Essadak describes her commitment to projects that resonate deeply with her. “When Mohcine approached me to co-write the film, I felt an immediate connection,” she recalls. “But I soon realized that I wanted to take on the role of producer. I told him, ‘You have my unwavering support. I will champion this project with all my energy.’” Her dedication is evident in her current projects, including Potes, which tells the story of Moroccan students abroad grappling with their identity, and Rajol, which delves into contemporary masculinity in Morocco.
Driss Ramdi: the rising actor
Driss Ramdi, a Moroccan actor based in France, first gained attention for his role in Mehdi Ben Attia’s film Je Ne Suis Pas Mort, which was showcased at the Berlin Film Festival. His performance earned him a spot on the César shortlist for Most Promising Newcomer. Since then, he has steadily advanced his career, appearing in various films and series, including All the Way Up, a popular rap series on Canal Plus.
This year marks a significant milestone for Ramdi, as he stars as the lead character in Meryem Benm’Barek’s film Behind the Palm Trees, which debuted in competition at the Marrakech festival. He strives to pursue roles that challenge him emotionally and artistically. “I want to continue exploring profound characters,” he expresses. “I’m selective about my roles; I avoid clichés and aspire to lead in projects that demand a genuine investment.” Ramdi is also venturing into stand-up comedy, an endeavor that excites and terrifies him in equal measure.
Emerging directors shaping narratives
The festival has also witnessed the rise of talented directors like Youssef Michraf and Leyna Tahiri, who are redefining storytelling in Moroccan cinema.
Youssef Michraf: a unique vision
Youssef Michraf’s journey began in a modest environment in Casablanca, where he initially pursued engineering in France. However, driven by his passion for storytelling, he shifted his focus to film. After studying at La Sorbonne and earning a directing position at the esteemed national film school, La Fémis, he began developing his debut feature, Sweet Disposition.
This film uniquely combines body-horror elements with a coming-of-age narrative, exploring a boy’s struggle with his identity and social status. Michraf presented his project at the Atlas Workshops, where it won the Artekino International Prize. He is now seeking to reposition the film in the American market, finding more open-mindedness compared to the French film industry, which he finds restrictive.
Leyna Tahiri: exploring cultural dynamics
Programs such as the Atlas Workshops have significantly contributed to bridging the gap between aspiring filmmakers and the global film community. Additionally, the Tamayouz Foundation, founded by a group of visionary Moroccan filmmakers, is dedicated to empowering women in the industry. By providing training, mentorship, and financial support, the foundation has witnessed a notable rise in participation and success among its female trainees.0
Programs such as the Atlas Workshops have significantly contributed to bridging the gap between aspiring filmmakers and the global film community. Additionally, the Tamayouz Foundation, founded by a group of visionary Moroccan filmmakers, is dedicated to empowering women in the industry. By providing training, mentorship, and financial support, the foundation has witnessed a notable rise in participation and success among its female trainees.1
Programs such as the Atlas Workshops have significantly contributed to bridging the gap between aspiring filmmakers and the global film community. Additionally, the Tamayouz Foundation, founded by a group of visionary Moroccan filmmakers, is dedicated to empowering women in the industry. By providing training, mentorship, and financial support, the foundation has witnessed a notable rise in participation and success among its female trainees.2