Marrakech International Film Festival 2026: dates, venues and screenings

Updated on October 1, 2026

Founded in 2001, the Marrakech International Film Festival (FIFM) is one of the leading film events in Africa and the Arab world. Held under the high patronage of King Mohammed VI and chaired by Prince Moulay Rachid, it lasts nine days; its 23rd edition runs from November 20 to 28, 2026. The official competition, reserved for first and second feature films, is judged by an international jury that awards the Golden Star (Étoile d'or). The festival also programs gala screenings, tributes, talks with filmmakers called "Conversations" and a project development program, the Atlas Workshops. The Palais des congrès, in the Hivernage district, hosts the competition, the galas and the red carpet. At recent editions, films were also shown at Le Colisée cinema in Gueliz and at the Yves Saint Laurent Museum; in 2024, the Conversations were held at the Meydene, at M Avenue.

Highlights

The screen on Jemaa el-Fna square

For years, the festival set up a giant open-air screen on the square, with free screenings every evening; in 2022, they drew about 50,000 spectators. The festival suspended this part of the program at the following editions, again in 2025, as the square was undergoing redevelopment work. As of October 1, 2026, no screenings on the square had been announced for this edition.

Evenings in the medina

Between screenings, Jemaa el-Fna square remains the heart of Marrakech's evenings: at nightfall, the food stalls set up and musicians and storytellers draw the crowds. It is about a thirty-minute walk from the Palais des congrès, or a few minutes by taxi.

Infos pratiques

Tips

Screenings are free and open to everyone, but seats are limited: check the festival's official website as soon as the program is published. According to the rules of the 2026 edition, the official selection will be announced in early November 2026. Films are screened in their original version, with French, English or Arabic subtitles depending on the section.

How to get there

Palais des congrès, boulevard Mohammed VI, Hivernage, Marrakech, about 2.5 km west of Jemaa el-Fna square A petit taxi from the medina or Gueliz, or about a thirty-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fna square.