Opening of the 19th Edition of the Salé International Women’s Film Festival
The 19th edition of the Salé International Women’s Film Festival (FIFFS) opened on Monday evening, September 28, 2026, with a series of tributes to prominent figures of Moroccan cinema.
Organized until October 3 by the Bouregreg Association, under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the festival serves as a leading platform for promoting women’s rights and issues, challenging stereotypes, and fostering debate on their representation in cinematic productions.
The opening ceremony, attended by prominent figures from the artistic, cultural, media and political spheres, featured tributes to Moroccan actresses Amal Ayouch and Meryem Zaïmi, as well as filmmaker Mohamed Abderrahmane Tazi, in recognition of their distinguished careers, both in front of and behind the camera, which have contributed to enriching Morocco’s national film and television landscape.
In an address delivered on the occasion, Noureddine Chmaou, President of the Bouregreg Association, said that this edition, coinciding with the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Association’s founding, holds special significance. He highlighted the major role of cinema as a privileged means of expression for addressing societal issues, particularly those relating to women.
Mr. Chmaou underscored the importance of this major event on the cultural calendar, welcoming the fruitful synergy with institutional partners and the joint efforts of the festival juries, film professionals, media representatives and the festival team.
For his part, Julien Cormier, Director of the Quebec Office in Rabat, welcomed the choice of Quebec cinema as the Guest of Honour of the 19th edition, describing it as a reflection of the vitality of cultural ties between Quebec and Morocco.
While commending the Bouregreg Association’s efforts to support women’s creative work, Mr. Cormier stressed that the festival provides a valuable platform for exchange, bringing peoples closer together and strengthening mutual understanding through the art of cinema.
The programme of this edition also features a celebration of the scientific and sociological legacy of the late Fatima Mernissi. Organized in collaboration with the Association of Friends of Fatima Mernissi for Cultural Activities, this section includes a screening of the film Fatema, the Unforgettable Sultana, directed by Mohamed Abderrahmane Tazi, paying tribute to her lifelong commitment to women’s rights.
Quebec cinema is represented through the screening of four films, professional meetings, and a masterclass led by Quebec filmmaker of Moroccan origin Halima Elkhatabi.
The festival also introduces a new section entitled “Women… Through Their Eyes”, exploring the perspectives of male filmmakers on women’s status and condition. The section’s inaugural edition features filmmaker Mohamed Abderrahmane Tazi.
In addition to the official competitions, the programme includes a symposium on “Cinema and the Challenges Facing Civil Society”, a “Filmmakers’ Dialogue” bringing together Hind Bensari and Sofia Alaoui, the presentation of the “Other Shore Award”, as well as public open-air screenings at the Souk El Kbir venue in the medina of Salé.
Based on a report by the Maghreb Arab Press Agency (MAP), with adaptation
(September 28, 2026)
