The Marrakech Short Film Festival concluded its fourth edition with great success, emphasizing its internationality after six days of film screenings and discussions. The jury was chaired by actress Mayssa Maghrabi, and the session was characterized by discussions between Moroccan filmmakers and their counterparts from Bologna and Germany. The festival’s goals were to foster global relationships and partnerships, with new partnerships announced for future editions.
New to this edition was the presentation of international awards from international organizations such as the Doha Film Institute, the Arab Film Festival in Germany, and the Munka Foundation in Bologna. These awards were given to Moroccan films, in an effort to promote exchange between these platforms and encourage Moroccan filmmakers to open up to the world.
Another highlight was a partnership with Maysa Maghraby’s production company in Dubai to produce Moroccan films within the framework of the festival, which contributes to strengthening cooperation between Morocco and the UAE.
The prizes awarded at the festival were as follows:
- Nakhil Prize (Best Film): Anas Zamati’s « The Scarecrow. »
- Belarj Prize (Best Director): Dhiaa Biya for « What Else Grows on the Palm of Your Hand? »
- Bahja Prize (Best Actress): Aya Joubran for « the Scarecrow ».
- Heartbeat Award for the Iranian film « Suffocation » by Pedram Meharkhah.
- Doha Film Institute’s Award of Excellence for « What Else Grows on the Palm of Your Hand? »
- Munka Studio’s Award of Excellence for « What Else Grows on the Palm of Your Hand? »
- Award of Excellence from the Arab Film Festival in Berlin for Intisar Azhar’s « For Me »