UPDATE: The Atlas Workshops in Marrakech have concluded, leaving filmmakers buzzing with inspiration and connections. From November 30 to December 4, 2023, this year’s event featured over 185 sessions and brought together 28 projects from 12 MENA and African countries, marking a significant milestone in the film industry.
Filmmakers including Tanzanian director Amil Shivji praised the event for its atmosphere of solidarity and collaboration. “There is a lot of solidarity and camaraderie,” Shivji stated, reflecting on his third visit to the Workshops. He presented his latest project, focusing on a Maasai boy and his mythical cow, which underscores the transformative power of storytelling.
Palestinian filmmaker Suha Arraf, who participated with her second feature, highlighted the meticulous organization of the Workshops, stating, “[The Workshops are] extremely well organized.” Arraf, alongside her producer May Odeh, engaged in 23 meetings with leading sales companies and distributors from countries like France and Italy, showcasing the event’s international reach.
The Workshops’ expansion this year included the inaugural Atlas Station, allowing further collaboration among filmmakers. Romanian director Cristian Mungiu served as the 2025 patron, emphasizing the event’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent. “It felt as if every meeting had been thoughtfully chosen for the specific needs of my project,” said Ique Langa from Mozambique, who received the top development prize for his mystical love story.
Angolan director Kamy Lara also spoke highly of the tailored consultancy sessions, particularly the script advising with expert Yasmine Benkiran, which she said significantly impacted her narrative development.
The Workshops attracted industry veterans, including Palestinian actress Hiam Abbass and Franco-Tunisian editor Nadia Ben Rachid, who provided invaluable insights to the participants. Moroccan filmmaker Asmae El Moudir, whose project won the top prize, expressed gratitude for the supportive environment: “Atlas knows how to take care of us during this creative process.”
The emotional impact of the Workshops resonated deeply with attendees. Lebanese filmmaker Mounia Akl shared, “I couldn’t have imagined a better environment to do it in than the Atlas Workshops.” Her project, a follow-up to her acclaimed debut, is poised to make waves in the industry.
With the conclusion of this year’s Atlas Workshops, filmmakers are now poised to leverage the connections and knowledge gained. As the film industry continues to evolve, the impact of these collaborative environments will be felt for years to come.
Stay tuned for more updates on the projects emerging from this transformative week in Marrakech.
