Casablanca International Film Festival
Morocco's most important city-level film festival, held annually in November in Casablanca, presenting international and Moroccan cinema in North Africa's largest city and economic capital.
Overview
The Casablanca International Film Festival is Morocco's most important city-level film festival. Founded in 2011 and held annually in November in Casablanca -- Morocco's largest city and commercial capital -- the festival presents international and Moroccan cinema in the economic heart of North Africa.
Casablanca's identity as Morocco's most cosmopolitan and commercially dynamic city -- shaped by its French colonial heritage, its Art Deco architecture, its position as a major port and business center, and its large international community -- gives the festival a character distinct from the Marrakech International Film Festival's glamorous tourism-oriented identity.
The festival operates as a complement to the Marrakech festival, serving Casablanca's urban professional audience rather than the international jet-set that gravitates to Marrakech.
Key Sections
- International Competition -- films competing for jury prizes
- Moroccan Film Program -- new Moroccan features and shorts
- African Cinema Panorama -- films from across the African continent
- Documentary Program -- nonfiction features
- Short Film Competition -- competitive short programs
What Filmmakers Should Know
The festival accepts open submissions. For Moroccan filmmakers, the festival provides an important Casablanca platform alongside the Marrakech International Film Festival. The African Cinema Panorama creates connections with continental African film culture.
Major Awards
- Best Film -- jury prize
- Best Moroccan Film
- Audience Award
Festival History
Casablanca International Film Festival was founded in 2011 and has operated as the city's primary film cultural event.
See Also
For Moroccan cinema, see Marrakech International Film Festival. For African cinema, see International Film Markets.
