The Marrakech Film Festival 2026, officially the 23rd Marrakech International Film Festival (FIFM), takes place in Marrakech from 20 to 28 November 2026. French actress Marion Cotillard, an Oscar winner, will chair the jury that awards the festival’s top prize, the Étoile d’or.
The festival is one of the biggest dates in Morocco’s cultural calendar and one of the leading film events in Africa and the Arab world. This guide explains what the festival is, what is known about the 2026 edition, and how visitors and film fans can plan a trip around it.
Key facts
- Dates: 20 to 28 November 2026, in Marrakech.
- Edition: the 23rd; the festival was founded in 2001.
- Jury president: Marion Cotillard, announced on 13 October 2026.
- Top prize: the Étoile d’or, awarded to a first or second feature film in the international competition.
- Previous edition: the 22nd edition drew about 47,000 spectators, according to organisers, and the Étoile d’or went to Erige Sehiri’s Promised Sky.
What the festival is and why it matters
The Marrakech International Film Festival was launched in 2001 under the patronage of King Mohammed VI and is run by a dedicated foundation chaired by Prince Moulay Rachid. Over two decades it has built a reputation for mixing international cinema, Moroccan films and public conversations with directors and actors.
Its jury presidents read like a roll call of world cinema: Martin Scorsese in 2013, Francis Ford Coppola in 2015, Paolo Sorrentino in 2022, Jessica Chastain in 2023, Luca Guadagnino in 2024 and Bong Joon Ho in 2025. Cotillard follows them, and she has said she has been coming to the festival “since its very beginnings”.
The competition focuses on emerging directors. Only first and second feature films compete for the Étoile d’or, which Cotillard described as the “DNA” of the festival: accompanying filmmakers at the start of their careers. Alongside the public programme, the Atlas Workshops, launched in 2018, support Moroccan, Arab and African filmmakers with film projects in development.
What to expect in 2026
The festival has so far confirmed the dates and the jury presidency. Local reporting says the professional Atlas Workshops programme runs from 22 to 26 November and that screenings and talks are free but require an e-pass requested online, with public registration open until 28 November. Screening times were still to be published at the time of writing, so check the official festival website and app for the final schedule.
In previous years the programme has combined an official competition, gala screenings, a Moroccan panorama, tributes to film figures and sessions for young audiences. Screenings take place at venues such as the Palais des Congrès and the Le Colisée cinema, and earlier editions have also used the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Films are normally subtitled in Arabic, English and French, which makes the festival accessible to visitors who do not speak French.
Practical tips for visitors
Book early. Festival week is a high-demand period in Marrakech, and medina riads tend to fill first. Hotels in the Guéliz and Hivernage districts are closer to the Palais des Congrès, while riads put you within walking distance of Jemaa el-Fna.
Register for your e-pass in advance. Do not wait until you arrive. Applicants must be adults, and approved guests receive their pass by email. Always check the official site for the current rules.
Pack for cool evenings. Late November in Marrakech is pleasant by day, but evenings can be cool, especially for outdoor events. A light jacket is a good idea.
Plan your transport. Marrakech is easy to reach by air, and you can also arrive by train: our guide to the Al Boraq high-speed train explains the route from Tangier to Casablanca, with connections onward. Once in the city, petit taxis are the simplest way to move between venues; agree the fare or ask for the meter.
Build in a sightseeing day. If you have not visited before, our one-day Marrakech itinerary covers the main sights with prices, and our Moroccan dirham guide helps with cash and small change for taxis and cafés.
FAQ
When is the Marrakech Film Festival 2026?
The 23rd edition runs from 20 to 28 November 2026.
Who is the jury president in 2026?
Marion Cotillard, the French actress who won an Oscar for La Môme, will preside over the international competition jury.
Do I need a ticket to attend?
According to local reporting, public screenings and talks are free but require an e-pass requested online in advance. Rules can change, so confirm on the official festival website before you travel.
What this means for readers
For film fans, the festival is a rare chance to see new first and second features from around the world, with Moroccan cinema on the same bill. For travellers, late November offers mild weather and a lively city, but accommodation and flights are best booked early. For residents of Marrakech, it is a free cultural programme on your doorstep, provided you register in time.
Sources: Hespress; Le360; Le Courrier de l’Atlas; La Tribune de Marrakech; Wikipedia.
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