the low budget film program 2026
Low Budget Film Program (LBFILMPROGRAM)
Launched in 2023, the Low Budget Film Program is one of the flagship talent development initiatives of the Marrakech Short Film Festival. Created to support emerging Moroccan filmmakers, the program provides artistic mentorship, project development, production support, and access to a network of experienced producers and industry professionals.
Designed as a creative laboratory, the initiative demonstrates that ambitious and meaningful cinema can emerge from strong artistic vision rather than large production budgets. Since its launch, several projects developed through the program have continued their journey at national and international festivals, confirming its role as a springboard for the new generation of Moroccan filmmakers.
KANAF perfectly embodies this vision. Through its powerful social narrative and emotionally driven storytelling, the project addresses universal themes of motherhood, dignity, and social justice while reflecting the strength and originality of Morocco's emerging cinematic voices. By supporting projects like KANAF, the Marrakech Short Film Festival reaffirms its commitment to discovering, producing, and promoting the filmmakers who will shape the future of Moroccan cinema.
2026 LAUREATE
SALMA EL HACHIMI EL BELGHITI
Salma El Hachimi El Belghiti is a Moroccan filmmaker who graduated from the Higher Institute of Audiovisual and Cinema Professions (ISMAC) in Rabat and holds a Bachelor's degree in Film and Audiovisual Studies from the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences in Tetouan. Driven by a deep passion for cinema since adolescence, she has developed a sensitive and socially engaged cinematic voice that explores human relationships, identity, and contemporary Moroccan realities. Through intimate storytelling, her films seek to translate personal emotions into universal experiences. KANAF is developed through the Low Budget Film Program of the Marrakech Short Film Festival.
KANAF Synopsis
As part of Morocco's 2024 national population census, Hayat, a census officer, visits the home of Hasna, a single mother, to collect demographic data. During the interview, she uncovers a hidden truth that exposes the complexity of maternal sacrifice in a society shaped by economic hardship and social expectations. KANAF is a poignant reflection on motherhood, dignity, and resilience in the face of systemic inequalities.
RACHIDA SAADI
Rachida Saadi is a Moroccan producer committed to supporting emerging filmmakers and independent cinema. Through her work, she develops projects with strong artistic identities while fostering new voices in Moroccan filmmaking. Passionate about talent development, she actively encourages collaborations that strengthen Morocco's independent film ecosystem and create opportunities for the next generation of filmmakers.
RAMIA BELADEL
Ramia Beladel is a Moroccan visual artist, curator, and cultural organizer based in Marrakech. With a background in cultural curation and artistic direction, she is the founder and president of the Marrakech Short Film Festival (MARRAKECHsFF), a dynamic platform dedicated to celebrating and supporting short films from Morocco and around the world.Through her work, Ramia Beladel advocates for accessibility to cinema in public spaces, gender inclusion in the film industry, and meaningful collaborations with institutions across Europe, the MENA region, and beyond. Her curatorial vision is rooted in creating intimate, forward-thinking experiences that connect young talents with global film communities while nurturing a stronger ecosystem for short films in Morocco.
JANA PROD
Jana Prod is an independent Moroccan production company specializing in auteur cinema, socially engaged documentaries, and fiction films that celebrate Moroccan culture and storytelling. Committed to nurturing emerging talent and meaningful narratives, the company develops and produces projects that explore contemporary social issues while highlighting the richness and diversity of Moroccan identity. Through a collaborative and artist-driven approach, Jana Prod supports filmmakers from development to production, fostering creative freedom while promoting Moroccan cinema nationally and internationally.