The 31st Rabat International Film Festival of Auteur Cinema Kicks Off, Featuring Over 120 Films

Rabat – The 31st Rabat International Film Festival of Auteur Cinema kicked off on Saturday with the participation of over 120 films, including several exclusive world premieres.

The opening ceremony of this edition, themed around creativity and recognition and running until November 14, was marked by a tribute to several artistic figures who have left their mark on the fields of cinema and music, notably the late Moroccan director Mohamed Ahed Bensouda, Jordanian actress Abir Issa, Moroccan director Saad Chraïbi, and Moroccan artist Latifa Raafaat.

This ceremony, held in the presence of artists, professionals, and film enthusiasts, also featured the world premiere screening of the Moroccan-Beninese film “Beyond Freedom,” by the late Mohamed Ahed Bensouda.

This year’s program includes screenings, specialized training workshops, and roundtables, as well as tributes celebrating the exceptional careers of Moroccan and international filmmakers.

In his address, the Festival’s president, Abdelhak Mantrach, emphasized that for over three decades, the Festival has firmly upheld the belief that auteur cinema offers a window onto understanding the world, embracing diversity, and fostering dialogue between cultures.

Defending auteur cinema means “defending the plurality of visions and the right of independent works to reach screens and connect with their audiences,” explained Mr. Mantrach, emphasizing that the responsibility of cultural stakeholders lies in broadening access to this cinema, fostering the discovery of new voices, and strengthening the presence of Moroccan filmmaking in the international cinematic dialogue.

For her part, the Festival’s artistic director, Malak Dahmouni, indicated that this edition offers a rich program of exclusive screenings and privileged opportunities for interaction with artists, through the official competitions as well as screenings designed for children and families.

The organizing committee has ensured that the films offered resonate with audiences, provoke thought, and open new perspectives on the human experience, Ms. Dahmouni stated, noting that this edition pays particular attention to Moroccan cinema and highlights national talent, with the aim of encouraging their creativity and strengthening their connection with the public.

This year, the Festival boasts a high-caliber jury, supported by the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI), chaired by Italian director and producer Mimmo Calopresti, while the short film jury is chaired by German director Vincent Forster.

The documentary film jury is chaired by Japanese producer Ken Takashi, and Moroccan filmmaker Leïla Cheradi chairs the jury for the film critics’ prize.

In addition, the festival will feature screenings and film talks in Arabic and French for young audiences, as well as recreational activities for students from local schools.

A roundtable discussion in tribute to the late Mohamed Ahed Bensouda will also be held as part of the event, featuring testimonials from artists and technicians who shared various stages of his artistic journey with him.