Cristian Mungiu to Lead Atlas Workshops at Marrakech International Film Festival
Renowned Romanian filmmaker Cristian Mungiu, known for winning the Palme d’Or at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival, has been named as the patron for the eighth edition of the Atlas Workshops. This significant event is part of the 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival (MIFF), which will take place from November 28 to December 6. The industry platform of the MIFF 2025 will run from November 30 to December 4, featuring 28 Moroccan and international works that will benefit from enhanced support programs and collaborative efforts through the Atlas Programs.
According to an official statement, the lineup includes:
- 12 projects in development(10 fiction and 2 documentaries, with 5 being debut feature films) from 9 countries: Angola, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Mozambique, Palestine, and Tanzania.
- 10 films in production or post-production(9 fiction and 1 documentary, with 5 debut feature films) from 7 countries: Egypt, Ghana, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Yemen.
- 5 Moroccan projectsin the Views on the Atlas section (5 fiction films in development, all debut features).
- 1 Moroccan filmin final editing in the Atlas Film Showcase section, seeking a festival premiere.
Spotlight on Emerging Talent and Notable Directors
This edition will highlight the latest work by Palestinian directors Scandar Copti, who won the Golden Star of MIFF 2024 forHappy Holidays, and Maha Haj, known forPersonal AffairsandMediterranean Fever. The lineup also includes the adaptation of Augustin Sondé Coulibaly’s novelLes Dieux délinquants(1982) by Burkinabe filmmaker Boubacar Sangaré (Or de vie, Atlas Workshops 2022). Other notable projects include those by Egyptian directors Jad Chahine (The Call of the Brook, Cinef – Cannes 2023) and Mohammed Hammad (Withered Green, Locarno 2016).
From Lebanon, the selected projects feature talents like Vatche Boulghourjian, Rami Kodeih, Mounia Akl, and Michèle Tyan. Representing Morocco, the selection includes Basma Rkioui, Zineb Wakrim, Laïla Marrakchi, and Asmae El Moudir, who won the Golden Star of the MIFF 2023. Mohamed Zineddaine will also be featured in the Atlas Film Showcase section.
In the Views on the Atlas section, five feature film projects in development by Moroccan filmmakers will be showcased. These include works by Halima Elkhatabi, Reda Lahmouid, Zahoua Raji, Ayoub Layoussifi, Shaden Safieddine Tazi, and Leyna Tahiri.
Focus on Short Films and Industry Development
This year, the professional program Atlas Station continues its mission to elevate the skills of young national producers. A new session will focus on short film projects by Moroccan directors, whether in production or post-production, as highlighted by the organizers.
Launched in 2023, the Atlas Distribution Awards aims to boost the circulation of films in the Arab world and Africa, further enriched by the Atlas Distribution Meetings. This initiative will gather around sixty distribution experts from Africa, the Arab world, and Europe, with the goal to “encourage exchanges, stimulate regional cooperation, and enhance the visibility of regional cinemas.”
Conclusion
The 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of cinematic talent, both emerging and established. With the involvement of renowned figures like Cristian Mungiu and the continued support of initiatives such as the Atlas Workshops and Distribution Awards, the festival is set to play a crucial role in promoting regional cinema and fostering global collaboration within the film industry.