Marrakech Short Film Festival: A New International Launch and a Busy Program

Marrakech is preparing to host the fifth edition of the Marrakech Short Film Festival (MARRAKECHsFF), from September 26 to October 1, 2025. This edition is described as the largest and most ambitious since the festival's launch in 2020. The event continues to consolidate its position as a global platform that celebrates short cinema as an independent, bold, and influential art form that combines artistic creativity and cultural diversity.

expanded international vision

This year's edition marks a pivotal moment with the official launch of the International Competition, a culmination of the festival's growing recognition as a key platform for discovering new cinematic voices around the world. Films from a variety of countries will be honored, including Morocco, Palestine, France, Poland, Jordan, India, Iran, Ghana, Greece, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Mexico, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Portugal, Iraq, Belgium, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sri Lanka, and El Salvador as the guest of honor.

This diversity reflects the festival's commitment to encouraging artistic dialogue and cultural exchange through short film, opening the way for filmmakers from diverse backgrounds and geographies.

Exhibition spaces and open spaces

In line with the festival's vision to bring cinema closer to the public, films will be screened in open public locations, most notably:

Arsat Moulay Abdellah Cinema in the heart of Marrakech. Open-air spaces are part of an effort to revive cultural spaces after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Competitions and Awards Program The 2025 edition includes two official competitions:

Moroccan National Competition, which includes the following prizes:

Nakhil Award for Best Moroccan Film Bahja Award for Best Actor or Actress Blarg Award for Best Director In addition to special prizes awarded by the festival's international guests.

The international competition, which presents:

Nakheel International Award for Best Film Blarg International Award for Best Director

The festival program also includes a non-competitive Coup de Cœur segment, which highlights a selection of short films that have starred at prestigious international festivals.

Supporting young talents

A notable initiative of this year's edition, the Low Budget Film Program continues its support for a new generation of independent filmmakers in Morocco. Launched in 2023, the program aims to provide production support, creative guidance, and a showcase for young talents working on limited budgets.

The Moroccan film "The Nest," a poignant social drama directed by Ayoub Boudadi and produced by Abdel Salam El Meftahi in partnership with NADACOME, will be screened within this framework. The film addresses issues of gender-based violence in rural areas, embodying the core of the program's vision of supporting essential and inspiring stories, regardless of financial means.

Arbitration and expected media attention

The names of the 2025 jury have yet to be revealed, although last year's edition included prominent names such as: Maysa Maghribi (Chair of the Committee), Nourredine Lakhmari (Honorary President), Nadia Kunda, and Sofia Alaoui. The names of this edition's jury are expected to be announced in the coming weeks via the festival's official platforms.

Festival management statements

Commenting on the developments of the fifth edition, Ramia Beladel, founder and director of the festival, said: “With the launch of the international competition and the return of the Low Budget Film Program, we are moving towards an edition unprecedented in its size and ambition.” “We are creating a vibrant and safe space for discovery, collaboration, and the emergence of creative visions — whether for local talent or creators from underrepresented regions,” she added.

Here are the nominees for the Marrakech Film Festival awards: