For the 79th Cannes Film Festival, Moroccan cinema is poised to shine at one of the world’s most prestigious film events. Through artistic recognition, the promotion of national talent, and strategic expansion into the international market, Morocco is confirming its place within the global film industry.
From May 12 to 20, 2026, Morocco will be participating in the Cannes Film Market, a leading platform for professional networking, partnerships, and co-production opportunities.
The Moroccan Cinema Center will deploy a strategic presence there through a series of key events aimed at promoting the national film industry, fostering international collaborations, and enhancing Morocco’s appeal as a film location. It will welcome Moroccan and international professionals to its pavilion within the International Village of the Film Market.
Through this participation, Morocco reaffirms its position as a leading destination for both artistic creation and film production, backed by competitive infrastructure, an exceptional diversity of landscapes, recognized expertise, and a track record of excellence praised by major international productions.
This year, the feature film Strawberries, directed by Leïla Marrakchi, was selected for the official Un Certain Regard section. This selection marks the director’s return to the French Riviera following the screening of Marock in 2005.
The film In Search of the Gray Bird with Green Stripes, directed by Saïd Hamich Benlarbi, will be screened at la Quinzaine des Cinéastes, underscoring the vitality and uniqueness of new Moroccan cinema.
Filmmaker Ismaël El Iraki, best known for Zanka Contact, will represent Morocco at the Investors Circle. He will present his new project, Wolfmother, to international investors.
The project Laissées-pour-compte, directed by Kenza Tazi and produced by Ayoub El Jamal for A.T.A. Production, has been selected for the 18th edition of La Fabrique Cinéma at the Institut français.
Additionally, producer Karim Aitouna, representing Haut Les Mains Productions, takes part in Cannes’ Workshops and Meet the Experts program at the Short Film Corner from May 17th to 20, further strengthening professional exchange and international collaboration.
The French feature film De Gaulle: Tilting Iron, directed by Antonin Baudry and shot in part in Morocco, will also be presented in the official selection out of competition at the Cannes Film Festival. This project reflects the renewed confidence of international production companies in Morocco, which is valued for its infrastructure quality, diverse locations, and professional expertise. It also highlights the contribution of Morocco’s cash rebate program, run by the Moroccan Cinema Center, in enhancing the Kingdom’s appeal for foreign film productions.
Through its rich and diverse presence across various sections of the festival and market, Morocco is demonstrating, at Cannes 2026, the vitality of its film industry and the excellence of its filmmakers. This participation underscores the Kingdom’s ambition to strengthen its influence on the international stage sustainably.