22nd Marrakech International Film Festival (2025): Dates, Highlights, and a Morocco Insider’s Guide
Author: MoroccosGate Team
The 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival is the time to go if you enjoy films and have been dreaming about Morocco. Set against the ochre walls, palm groves, and mountain horizons that make the Red City iconic, Marrakech will host a truly international film festival from November 28 to December 6, 2025, complete with red carpets and outdoor screens. The festival essentials, must-see sights, and useful Morocco travel advice for tourists from around the world are all included in this approachable guide.
At a glance
- Event: 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival
- Dates: November 28 – December 6, 2025
- Location: Marrakech, Morocco
- Films: 82 titles from 31 countries (according to the festival announcement)
- Sections: International Competition – first and second features -, Gala Screenings, Tributes, Moroccan and Arab cinema spotlight.
- Jury President: Bong Joon-ho (Academy Award–winning South Korean director)
- Tributes: Jodie Foster, Guillermo del Toro, Raouya, Hussein Fahmi
- Opening film: Dead Man’s Wire (dir. Gus Van Sant)
- Closing film: Palestine 36 (dir. Annemarie Jacir)
- Industry program: Atlas Workshops (Nov 30 – Dec 4), supporting emerging filmmakers from Morocco, Africa and the Arab world.
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Why this festival matters – and why Marrakech is magic
Where else might you step from a gala screening into a centuries-old medina with orange blossoms in the air? The Marrakech International Film Festival (commonly called FIFM) mixes world cinema with a very Moroccan warmth. It’s a place where A‑list directors and first‑time filmmakers share stages, and where cinephiles fill historic squares after sunset. For travelers from the UK and US, it’s a rare chance to experience Moroccan culture—riads, souks, mint tea, and the Atlas Mountains—while keeping cinema at the center of your trip.
Festival Highlights You Should Not Miss
The official competition: first and second features
- What to Expect: The competition for debut and sophomore features will represent the heartbeat of the 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival: films everyone will talk about in a year, for bold storytelling, new voices, and fresh perspectives all across the globe.
- Why it’s special in Marrakech: Morocco’s audiences are famously engaged, and Q&As can be electric. It is a great way to spot emerging talents before they become mainstream.
Bong Joon-ho – Jury President
- The Oscar-winning Parasite director brings serious cine-cred and global attention. Expect thoughtful selections, spirited press conversations, and a jury that takes risks while honoring craft.
Tributes to four cinema icons
- Jodie Foster: The much-loved American actor and director can expect a touching filmic homage, retro screenings, and enlightening discussions on the craft.
- Guillermo del Toro, master of gothic imagination. His tribute dovetails beautifully with the Gala Screening of his Frankenstein.
- Raouya: A towering Moroccan actor, Raouya’s presence underlines the festival’s commitment to honoring homegrown talent and regional storytelling.
- Hussein Fahmi is an icon of Egyptian cinema, appreciated for a career that contributed to shaping Arab film culture.
Opening and closing films
- Opening: Dead Man’s Wire by Gus Van Sant. A fitting curtain-raiser from one of indie cinema’s most distinctive American voices.
- Closing: Palestine 36, by Annemarie Jacir. An accomplished Palestinian director and a powerful humanist ending are both promised.
Gala Screenings you’ll hear about
- Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein: a gothic event film with heart and texture, perfect for a Marrakech night.
- A Private Life – Rebecca Zlotowski directs Jodie Foster in this prestige drama, which boasts both European and Hollywood appeal.
- Hamnet, by Chloé Zhao: A director known for intimate grandeur brings her lens to a storied tale.
Moroccan and Arab cinema in the spotlight
- The programming of the festival is in honor of Moroccan storytelling and its regional context. Whether you’re an established enthusiast of Moroccan cinema or just starting to discover it, this is your gateway to the contemporary voices of the Maghreb and the Arab world. Watch for films about life in Morocco beyond the postcard image: coastal towns, Amazigh communities in the Atlas Mountains, and modern urban stories from Casablanca to Marrakech.
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The Atlas Workshops: where the future of regional cinema is made
Dates: November 30 – December 4, 2025
- Purpose: The 8th edition of the Atlas Workshops continues to foster emerging filmmakers from Morocco, Africa, and the Arab world with development support, mentorship, and industry networking.
- Why it matters: Many standout films from the region come through this pipeline. If you’re a film professional, it’s a prime moment to meet up-and-coming Moroccan and African creatives and understand the ecosystem that’s shaping the next decade of cinema.
Marrakech 101: the city behind the red carpets
- Marrakech is not a backdrop but a character. Called the Red City for its sun-warmed, rose-hued walls, it’s a sensory tapestry: the call to prayer that floats over rooftops, the rustling of palms in the hidden courtyards, the scent of cumin and saffron in souks.
- The Medina is a UNESCO-listed maze of alleys where artisans hammer copper, weave rugs, and dye leather. It would be a quintessential Moroccan experience staying in a riad-a traditional house with an interior courtyard.
- Jemaa el-Fna: Main square famous for its storytellers, musicians, food stalls, and evening magic. It’s like an open-air theater-very on-brand for a film festival night.
- Gueliz & Hivernage: Modern districts for galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. If you like modern cafés and wider streets, this is the place to stay.
- Gardens and design: The Majorelle Garden and adjacent Yves Saint Laurent Museum provide a serene morning retreat before screenings.
- Atlas Mountains: Snow-capped peaks are within easy reach; day trips to Imlil or the Ourika Valley pair beautifully with an evening at the festival.
- Cinema heritage: That stretches from the studios of Ouarzazate to medina courtyards that have doubled for worlds further afield; Marrakech is its crossroads.
Planning your trip
When to go
- Festival dates: November 28 – December 6, 2025. Late autumn in Marrakech is comfortably mild: crisp mornings, sunny afternoons, and cool nights. Expect daytime highs around 18–22°C (mid‑60s to low‑70s °F) and cooler evenings—pack layers.
Getting there
- By air: Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) is the gateway to the city. From the UK, there are direct flights from major airports fairly frequently. From the US, most people connect via European hubs. Try to arrive at least a day before your first screening.
- From the airport: Taxis and airport shuttles are available; agree the fare before you ride. Many riads arrange transfers that include a short walk through the medina.
Visas and entry
- UK/US travelers enjoy short-stay, visa-free entry for tourism. Always check current entry requirements with official sources before you fly.
Where to stay: neighborhoods and vibes
- Medina-Old City: Immersion and Romance. Select a comfortable riad with great reviews and friendly staff while seeking one’s way around. Quiet lanes become a dream after late screenings.
- Gueliz: Art deco meets modern Marrakech. You’ll find a number of cafes, galleries, and a more European feel-plus easy access to taxis.
- Hivernage: wide avenues, palm trees, and many of the city’s larger hotels – handy if you like concierge services and a quick ride to most venues.
How to get around
- On foot: The medina is pedestrian-first. Wear comfortable shoes.
- Taxis: Small taxis for short trips around town; negotiate the price or ask to use the meter. App-based car services are available in some areas.
- Walking at night: Central districts are lively but keep to well-lit streets and have the location of your accommodation pinned.
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Beyond Marrakech: film-lover’s Morocco
If you have time, extend your trip to explore Morocco’s cinematic landscapes.
- Ouarzazate and Aït Benhaddou: Nicknamed the “Hollywood of the Desert,” this region has hosted countless productions. The kasbahs and desert palettes are unforgettable.
- Essaouira is a breezy Atlantic town that’s good for a two-day exhale: seafood, art galleries, ramparts, and cobalt doors.
- The Sahara: Merzouga – for the ultimate Moroccan contrast, dunes, starry skies, and sunrise over the Erg Chebbi.
How to do the 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival like a local
- Pace yourself: The program is rich—alternate big gala nights with intimate competition screenings.
- Go Moroccan: Favor Moroccan and Arab films in the selection to catch voices that one will not see anywhere else.
- Talk to people: Festival crowds are friendly. You can get tips on surprise screenings or must-try cafés by chatting with people in the lines.
- Morning calm, evening buzz: Use mornings for gardens, hammams, or a museum; save the high-energy souks for after sunset when they’re at their most atmospheric.
For your calendar: key dates and reminders
- Nov 28: Opening night of the 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival—Gus Van Sant’s Dead Man’s Wire.
- Nov 30 – Dec 4: Atlas Workshops—industry development for emerging filmmakers from Morocco, Africa and the Arab world.
- Dec 6: Closing night—Annemarie Jacir’s Palestine 36.
The program details published are as announced by the festival and are subject to change. Always check times, venues, and access on official channels.
Why the 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival is the right trip this year
- It combines marquee talent-Bong Joon-ho, Jodie Foster, Guillermo del Toro-with a grass-roots appreciation of Moroccan and Arab cinema.
- Marrakech transforms the experience of moviegoing into a full-body one: golden light, city soundscapes, gardens and galleries by day, screenings by night.
It’s a perfect shoulder-season getaway for travelers, with easy flights and mild weather. The city rewards curiosity.
At End
Thinking of attending the 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival and need assistance in framing your ideal Morocco itinerary? Kindly let us know what you have in mind, and we will share with you personalized tips and options. For inquiries, please reach the MoroccosGate Team via our contact form; we would be delighted to make this festival trip an unforgettable one for you.
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About MoroccosGate Team
We are a Marrakech-obsessed crew who spend their days exploring Morocco’s cities, mountains, coasts, and film culture, then turning that experience into practical, friendly guidance. From festival know-how to riad recommendations, we’re here to guide you through Morocco with confidence and joy.
