15th Tangier Film Festival Opens on 11 November 2026
The 15th edition of the Tangier Film Festival opened on 11 November 2026 and will run through 14 November 2026. The event showcases a diverse slate of international films, awards for notable Moroccan artists, and multiple competition categories.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- The festival launches its 15th edition with expanded international competition
- Timing
- Opening ceremony held 11 November 2026, programme runs until 14 November
- Who is affected
- Filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences attending the festival
The details
- Announced by
- Festival director Saïd Zarrabouh
- Takes effect
- 11 November 2026
Opening Ceremony and Programme Overview
The Cultural Center Ahmed Bouchmakh in Tangier hosted the opening ceremony on Wednesday, 11 November 2026. Festival director Saïd Zarrabouh welcomed guests, outlined the programme highlights and introduced the national anthem. The ceremony also paid tribute to the late artist Nour Eddine Chenkachi and screened a documentary on the previous edition’s milestones.
Special Honors and Film Selections
Two prominent Moroccan figures received special recognition: director‑producer Ardiss Chouika for his career contributions, and actress Farah El Fassi, who was presented with a tribute shield after a retrospective video. The opening also featured screenings from the three international competition sections and a showcase titled “Films from Tangier” highlighting local productions.
Competition Line‑up and Jury Composition
The short‑film competition includes 32 entries from 19 countries, such as Morocco, Palestine, Egypt, Brazil, Spain, France, China and Russia. The jury is chaired by French festival director Alexis Ferraris, with Tunisian Amir Wasâb al‑Bal and KVA Diffusion’s Amïma Fedi. The documentary competition presents 13 works on humanitarian and cultural themes, judged by a Moroccan panel led by producer Abd‑el‑Salam Miftâh. The feature‑film competition features six films from Russia, Sudan, Malaysia, China, Morocco and Tunisia, evaluated by an international jury comprising Moroccan producer Zain al‑Abidine Sharaf al‑Din, Portuguese producer Frederico Serra, Omani director Mohamed al‑Ajmi and Moroccan screenwriter Saïd Nâef.
Organisers and Partnerships
The 15th edition is organised in partnership with the Moroccan Cinematic Center, the Tangier region, Abdelmalek Essaâdi University, the Tangier municipality and the Hotel Al Manzah. The collaboration aims to boost cultural activity, promote Tangier’s cinematic profile and foster international exchange among filmmakers.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers planning to attend should note that festival events run from 11 to 14 November 2026.
- Accommodation in Tangier may see higher demand during the festival dates.
Cost and documents
- No additional visa fees or documentation are required solely for festival attendance.
- Ticket prices for screenings and events are set by the festival and are not covered here.
What you need to do
- Visitors should purchase festival tickets in advance to secure seats for desired screenings.
- Check the official festival schedule for exact dates and venues of specific film showings.
Who this affects
-
International filmmakers submitting entries
The festival includes competition sections for short, documentary and feature films from multiple countries.
What to do Submit films according to the festival’s submission guidelines before the deadline.
-
Moroccan film industry professionals
Special honors are awarded to Moroccan director Ardiss Chouika and actress Farah El Fassi.
What to do Attend the tribute events and network with international peers during the festival.
-
General public and tourists
Public screenings and cultural performances are part of the programme from 11 to 14 November.
What to do Buy tickets and consider booking accommodation early due to increased demand.
Frequently asked questions
When does the 15th Tangier Film Festival start and end?
The festival opens on 11 November 2026 and runs through 14 November 2026, featuring screenings, competitions and special events each day.
Where is the opening ceremony of the Tangier Film Festival held?
The opening ceremony took place at the Ahmed Bouchmakh Cultural Center in Tangier on 11 November 2026.
Which films are competing in the short‑film category?
Thirty‑two short films from nineteen countries, including Morocco, Palestine, Egypt, Brazil, Spain, France, China and Russia, are competing in the short‑film category.
Who are the jurors for the documentary competition?
The documentary jury is composed of Moroccan producer Abd‑el‑Salam Miftâh, director Rashid Zaki and poet‑author Ikrâm ‘Abdi, providing a blend of cinematic and literary expertise.
How can I attend the festival as a visitor?
Visitors should purchase tickets for screenings and events through the festival’s official website and consider booking accommodation in Tangier early, as demand rises during the festival period.
