Overview: Atlas Workshops unveils 28 selections for its 8th edition
The Marrakech Film Festival has announced the lineup for the 8th edition of the Atlas Workshops, a cornerstone program supporting emerging filmmakers across the Arab world and beyond. This year’s selections comprise 28 projects and finished films, reflecting a diverse slate that spans feature-length narratives, documentaries, and works in progress destined to make an impact on both regional and international stages. The event runs from November 30 to December 4, providing a structured platform for pitching, feedback, and industry networking.
Patronage and prestige: Cristian Mungiu at the helm
Romanian director Cristian Mungiu serves as patron for Atlas Workshops this year, lending his esteemed experience and international credibility to the program. A Palme d’Or winner, Mungiu’s involvement signals confidence in the rising voices he helps shepherd through the workshops. His mentorship emphasizes rigorous storytelling, ethical considerations in documentary practice, and the craft of sustaining audience engagement across cultural contexts.
What the 28 selections reveal about current trends
The curated slate highlights a balance between strong storytelling and innovative form. Several projects explore intimate character studies set against rich social backdrops, while others experiment with hybrid documentary approaches that blur the lines between reportage and art. The projects underscore a dedication to authentic voices from North Africa, the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the wider Francophone and Arab-speaking world, demonstrating Atlas Workshops’ role as a bridge-builder in contemporary cinema.
Feature narratives and in-progress works
Among the featured works are both completed films and works in progress seeking co-producers, post-production support, or festival-ready status. This mix encourages distributors, sales agents, and festival programmers to engage early, promoting broader festival curiosity and potential release pathways for acclaimed debuts and mid-career provocations alike.
Documentary voices and non-fiction explorations
Documentary projects in the lineup promise findings, investigative storytelling, and culturally resonant portraits. By centering documentary practice within Atlas Workshops, the program reinforces the important role of non-fiction in expanding audiences’ understanding of regional realities, histories, and everyday life.
Industry impact: Networking, mentorship, and outcomes
Across four days, participants will benefit from structured sessions, one-on-one mentoring, and opportunities to pitch to potential funders, partners, and distributors. The Atlas Workshops platform is designed to accelerate development timelines, provide critical notes from seasoned film professionals, and help projects secure production or distribution deals that might otherwise remain elusive for emerging filmmakers.
Dates, logistics, and what to expect
Confirmed to run from November 30 to December 4, the Atlas Workshops schedule typically blends formal pitching sessions with informal networking and curated screenings. Attendees can anticipate a program that combines masterclasses with practical sessions focused on budgeting, international co-production markets, and festival strategy. The Marrakech festival setting also offers a vibrant backdrop for cultural exchange and industry discussions in a city renowned for its cinematic heritage.
Why this edition matters for regional cinema
By curating a diverse mix of projects and involving a high-profile patron like Cristian Mungiu, Atlas Workshops reinforces the importance of regional storytelling on a global stage. The 28 selections reflect resilience and creativity in uncertain times, signaling a hopeful trajectory for filmmakers who seek to tell urgent, locally grounded, and universally resonant stories.
