MARRAKECH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL — ATLAS

Filmmakers from the Arab world and the African continent (all 54 countries). Diaspora members originally from an Arab or African country but living abroad are also eligible. First, second, or third feature films only (directors with three or more previous features are not eligible for the main Workshops). Both tracks open: (1) Projects in Development at script or advanced treatment stage; (2) Films in Shooting or Post-Production seeking finishing support and distribution. A director and producer must both be attached. Moroccan filmmakers are invited to register — the selection committee will determine inclusion in the main Workshops or the Atlas Station (Morocco-specific). Diaspora filmmakers whose projects are set in African or Arab countries are historically represented. Evidence of Openness to African Submissions African filmmakers are not merely welcome — the Atlas Workshops was created for them. The official mission explicitly names it as “aimed at supporting projects from Moroccan, Arab and African filmmakers and producers.” The 2025 (8th) edition included participants from Senegal, Tanzania, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Somalia and more. Notable African alumni include: Tanzanian director GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR AFRICAN FILM & SERIES MAKERS | 2025/2026 EDITION | Updated March 2026 Compiled March 2026 directed by Cati Weinek with Fab Claude.. Always verify deadlines and eligibility on official programme websites before applying. Amil Shivji; Ghanaian director Amartei Armar (whose short Tsutsu was selected to Cannes); Burkinabe director Aboubakar Sankaré; and Somalian director Mo Harawe, whose film The Village Next To Paradise (developed through Atlas Workshops) world-premiered at Cannes Critics’ Week and became Somalia’s first-ever Academy Awards submission. In 2025, four of the 14 films in Marrakech’s Official Competition had been developed through Atlas Workshops. Screen Daily reported that the 2025 Atlas Workshops programme brought together “350 international professionals around 28 selected projects and films led by emerging Moroccan, Arab, and African filmmakers.” Artistic Director Rémi Bonhomme has publicly stated that the festival is positioned as “a bridge between leading figures of world cinema” where Arab and African filmmakers the festival invites are “increasingly Academy members.” As a festival held on African soil (Morocco), it offers uniquely accessible participation for sub-Saharan African filmmakers compared to European markets. Submission Tips for African Filmmakers This is one of the highest-value, most Africa-friendly industry events in the world — and it takes place on African soil. Prioritise it alongside Durban FilmMart. Apply to the Development track if your script is strong but you need co-production partners; apply to the Post-Production track if your film is shot but needs finishing funds and distribution. Atlas Workshops selections have gone on to premiere in Cannes Un Certain Regard — selection itself carries global credibility. The patron changes annually (2025: Palme d’Or winner Cristian Mungiu; 2024: US director Jeff Nichols) — research their aesthetic and thematic concerns when preparing your dossier. Projects that are deeply personal, socially rooted, and distinct in voice are consistently favoured. The co-production market is described as “matchmaking, speed dating for co-producing” — prepare a sharp one-page pitch summary for your 1:1 meetings. Watch atlasateliers.marrakech-festival.com from June 2026 for the call to open.