Marrakech Short Film Festival Launches Second Edition of the "Master & Apprentice" Program
Marrakech Short Film Festival Launches Second Edition of the "Master & Apprentice" Program
Following the resounding success of its inaugural edition, the Marrakech Short Film Festival is proud to launch the second year of the "Master & Apprentice" program — a unique mentorship initiative inspired by Morocco’s traditional apprenticeship model.
This program continues to focus on cultivating the next generation of film critics by pairing an emerging voice with an experienced mentor. This year, renowned Moroccan film critic Abdelkarim Ouakrim returns once again to guide and share his expertise, offering invaluable insight into the world of film criticism and cinematic discourse.
The new apprentice for this edition Oumaima El moudani brings a fresh and dynamic perspective to the program. With a background in Law and professional experience in the tourism industry, she has built strong skills in negotiation, partnership management, and communication. Driven by a deep passion for culture, she recently completed a two-year training in métiers de la culture, equipping her with expertise in cultural practices, project management, and mediation. Now entering the cultural sector as a Cultural Mediator, her mission is to foster access to culture and promote meaningful dialogue between institutions, heritage, and the public.
Throughout the festival, the mentor–apprentice duo will collaborate on public conversations, roundtables, and masterclasses aimed at enriching cinematic understanding and critical engagement with audiences.
This second edition continues the program’s core goals:
- Mentorship that nurtures emerging talent in film criticism
- Cultural dialogue that deepens appreciation for cinema
- Engagement that inspires a more informed and curious audience
The Marrakech Short Film Festival is proud to champion this ongoing initiative, reaffirming its commitment to developing critical voices and supporting new generations of cultural thinkers.

