The city of Nador will once again be a crossroads of cinema, shared memory, and activism as it hosts the 13th International Festival of Cinema and Common Memory from November 5 to 10, 2024.
Entitled “The Memory of Sky and Earth,” the festival promotes cultural dialogue, bringing together filmmakers, intellectuals, and activists from Morocco and abroad.
One of the festival’s key moments will be the presentation of the prestigious International “Memory for Democracy and Peace” Award, which honors individuals and organizations dedicated to advocating for a more just and sustainable world. This accolade highlights efforts to address the environmental and sustainability challenges faced by both Morocco and the global community.
Nador’s significance as a Mediterranean city rich in natural beauty makes this environmental focus especially poignant. The city is home to some of Africa’s most stunning beaches and the Marchica saltwater lake, the home to a variety of bird species, such as the greater flamingo, the red-necked nightjar, and the vulnerable common pochard. These species have been threatened by pollution and poor waste management.
Among the notable environmental advocates attending are Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado and his wife Lélia Wanick, representing their Terra Institute, as well as Sanaa Moussalim, coordinator of the Moroccan Coalition for Climate Justice.
The festival will also honor Nador-born Ahmed Aboutaleb, former mayor of Rotterdam. His journey, rooted in his hometown and extending globally, reflects the festival’s theme of celebrating Moroccan figures driving change.
In addition, a diverse film competition will feature international entries from countries such as Morocco, Argentina, Brazil, Switzerland, Syria, and Italy. Each screening will immerse audiences in the filmmaker’s vision, using the universal theme of memory to bridge cultures. Participants will have the chance to engage in dialogue with the jury, sharing their perspectives and the stories behind their works.
This vibrant six-day festival transforms Nador into a hub for art, culture, and exchange, further solidifying the city’s role as a cultural bridge between Morocco and the world, connected through the threads of cinema, intellectual reflection, and meaningful dialogue.