The 9th Arab World Educational Short Film Festival (FMACME) kicked off on Saturday at the Abdellah El Sanhaji El Fida Cultural Complex under the theme “Digitalization and Cinema: Pedagogical Tools for a New Generation.”
Festival Director Abbari Abdellah said that the event serves as a unique platform for showcasing the work of young filmmakers while fostering discussions on major issues related to education, childhood, and youth.
He said the festival is intended to promote citizenship and a sense of belonging while providing an interactive cultural space and a platform for training the Moroccan film community.
This year’s program includes activities for educators, professionals, and other societal stakeholders. The opening ceremony showcased 10 short films competing for awards and introduced the jury panel consisting of Ammar Al-Ibrahim, Fatima Aglaz, and Fahd Ghaidi.
The event also honored writer and journalist Ahmed Sijlmassi, actor Nabil Atif, and Omani artist Taleb Ben Mohamed Al-Belouchi.
The festival also offers creative workshops and seminars, bringing together professionals and enthusiasts to collaborate on inspiring educational short films for Casablanca’s community.
Held by the Manar El Hank Arts Association in partnership with the Moroccan Cinematographic Center (CCM), the Casablanca City Council, and the Hassan II Mosque Foundation, the event runs until December 17. Khalid Salim Bamkhalif, Oman’s ambassador to Morocco, and representatives from the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, as well as notable figures from the film industry and civil society, attended the opening ceremony.