Photo: procsilas, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Marrakech International Film Festival

Marrakech

Founded in 2001, the Marrakech International Film Festival brings together filmmakers and actors from around the world every year, with a competition reserved for first and second films and open-air screenings on Jemaa el-Fna square. The 23rd edition runs from 20 to 28 November 2026, with Marion Cotillard as jury president.

Dates

20 November 2026 – 28 November 2026 — 23rd edition

Source: Film Italia — accessed 11 October 2026

A festival focused on new filmmakers

The Marrakech International Film Festival, or FIFM (its French initials), was created in 2001 at the initiative of King Mohammed VI to promote cinema in Morocco.

Its official competition has a clear rule: it is reserved for first and second feature films. The jury awards the Étoile d'or (Golden Star). For the 23rd edition, from 20 to 28 November 2026, the jury is chaired by French actress Marion Cotillard, who won an Oscar for playing Édith Piaf in La Vie en Rose.

Around the competition, the festival has several sections: gala screenings, special screenings, the "11th Continent" section, a panorama of Moroccan cinema, screenings for young audiences, and tributes to major figures of film. In 2025, the 22nd edition showed more than 80 films from some thirty countries. The Atlas Workshops support film projects from Africa and the Arab world.

The festival for the public

The FIFM is an industry festival, but the whole city shares in it.

Screenings on Jemaa el-Fna. On the medina's great square, an open-air screen shows popular films during the festival, introduced by guests. It is the simplest way to experience the festival, among the people of Marrakech.
The Conversations. Public talks with major figures of cinema: in 2025, Guillermo del Toro, Jodie Foster, Nadine Labaki and Virginie Efira. They were held at the Meyden theatre, with free entry.
The Palais des Congrès of Marrakech is the venue for the big evenings: the opening ceremony of the 21st edition, in 2024, was held there.

The detailed programme and the conditions of access to screenings are published on the festival's official site, marrakech-festival.com.

Marrakech in November

November is a pleasant season in Marrakech. According to the 1991-2020 normals of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the average high for the month is 23.1 °C and the average low 10.7 °C: mild days for the medina and cool evenings for the open-air screenings, when a jacket is a must. Rain is scarce and falls mostly from November to April.

Book early. Festival week fills the city's main hotels: Sabaro recommends booking as soon as the dates are announced. In Sabaro's selection, La Mamounia, at the gates of the medina, is 900 m from Jemaa el-Fna; Les Jardins de la Koutoubia, steps from the square, let you walk back after the evening screenings.

Time. Marrakech has been on GMT all year round since 20 September 2026: in November it is the same time as London.

What to combine. The festival fits well with a week in and around Marrakech: the medina, the gardens, a day in the High Atlas or in the Agafay desert. Sabaro's "Marrakesh and Essaouira in 7 days" itinerary can also be timed around these dates.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Marrakech film festival in 2026?

From 20 to 28 November 2026, for the 23rd edition.

Who chairs the jury in 2026?

French actress Marion Cotillard. Her jury awards the Étoile d'or to one of the first or second feature films in competition.

Can the public attend the festival?

Yes: the open-air screenings on Jemaa el-Fna are open to all, and the Conversations with guests had free entry in 2025. The official site publishes the access conditions for other screenings before each edition.

What is the weather like in Marrakech during the festival?

Mild by day and cool in the evening: in November, the average high is 23.1 °C and the average low 10.7 °C.