The city ofEssaouira is preparing to host the sixth edition of its cinematographic meeting. Scheduled from January 24 to 27, 2025, this event is supported by the Essaouira Provincial Tourism Council and the Moroccan Association of Hotel Units, Cafés and Restaurants. It promises to highlight Moroccan cinema in all its forms and to pay tribute to its emblematic figures.
The 2025 edition of this cinematographic meeting already promises to be exceptional, with the presence of several names from Moroccan cinema, including the talented actor, director and screenwriter Driss Roukh. The latter, an essential figure in national cinema, will be one of the stars of this meeting, and the public will have the opportunity to discover his career through discussions around his cinematographic work and his numerous contributions to the Moroccan seventh art.
The objective of this edition is to celebrate the history and evolution of Moroccan cinema by highlighting the achievements of its big names. The event will offer a series of screenings of films by Driss Roukh, which have left their mark and enriched the national film library. These films will be screened at the city’s Cultural Center, providing an ideal atmosphere to appreciate the richness of the country’s cinematographic productions.
In addition to the screenings, an exceptional meeting is planned with Driss Roukh. This moment of exchange will allow participants to delve into the creative universe of the artist, explore his professional career and discuss his achievements. A look at his personal history, his challenges and his successes will thus be offered, with an emphasis on the themes addressed in his works and their impact on society. As part of this edition, Driss Roukh will also present his latest work, “Ridaa Annisyane” during a meeting at Riad Al Khansaa. This novel, which explores deep themes linked to memory and identity, contains several metaphors. It has poetic, literary meanings… which concern the human being. In “Ridaa Annisyane,” a temporary forgetfulness turns into an overflow of memories. The presentation of “Ridaa Annisyane” completes the cinematographic dimension of the event by offering a new perspective on the artist’s work. Readers will have the opportunity to speak directly with the author and discover the story behind his latest work.
The cinematographic encounter is not limited to film screenings and artistic encounters. It also intends to promote the discovery of the rich historical and cultural heritage of Essaouira. The city, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, is a true crossroads of cultures, where history, architecture and the diversity of influences meet.
Participants will have the opportunity to visit the city’s historic sites and discover the monuments that bear witness to its fascinating past. A guided tour of the historic sites of Essaouira will allow you to make the link between the cultural evolution of the city and the influence it has had on the development of art in Morocco. The festival will also highlight the local music and artistic scene.
