The 17th International Women’s Film Festival opened Monday evening at Hollywood Cinema in Salé, near Rabat, bringing together prominent figures from the film, cultural, and media sectors to offer women filmmakers from around the world a platform to discuss industry challenges and share their experiences.
The festival provides a forum for women filmmakers from Arab, African, and international backgrounds to discuss the challenges they encounter in their profession, analyze the portrayal of women in cinema, and exchange know-how.
The platform is a space to demonstrate women’s significant and growing impact in the film industry.
Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, addressed the significant growth of Moroccan cinema in recent years.
“Thanks to the support of the Moroccan Cinematographic Center (CCM), Morocco is today producing nearly 30 films annually, with a notable increase in both quantity and quality,” Morocco’s Press Agency (MAP) quoted Bensaid. The official also noted, “the achievements and presence of Moroccan women among film professionals at esteemed international festivals.”
He highlighted the growing role of women in the Moroccan film industry, stating that “there are over 130 women involved, including more than 80 directors, 45 assistant directors, three cinema operators, and eight film distributors.”
Noureddine Chemaou, Head of the Bouregreg Association, President and organizer of the event, stated that the 17th event represents ongoing efforts to enhance the city’s material heritage.
“The first outdoor screenings in Salé’s historic medina will take place this year,” he noted, adding that engaging with younger audiences through training workshops plays an important role in the festival’s strategy.
Hungary’s Ambassador to Morocco, Miklós Erik Tromler, underscored the strong cinematic ties between Hungary and Morocco. He highlighted last year’s cooperation agreement between Rabat and Budapest to promote film co-productions and showcase the cultural and heritage diversity of both countries.
The opening ceremony acknowledged pioneering women filmmakers, including Egyptian actress Dalia El Beheri, and Moroccan actress Saâdia Ladib, in recognition of their industry contributions.
The event concluded with the screening of a portrait dedicated to Hungarian cinematic pioneer Márta Mészáros, along with selected scenes from films included in the festival program.
The audience met the members of the festival’s judging panel. Maryam Touzani, a Moroccan actress and director, head judge for the feature film competition. Danielle Davie, a Lebanese filmmaker, leads the documentary panel. Narjisse Tahiri, a Moroccan producer and director, oversees the Young Audience Award category.