The Marrakech Short Film Festival has announced the official selection of films for its sixth edition, scheduled to take place from September 25 to 30, 2026, in Marrakech. This year, the festival received over 400 short films from more than 90 countries across five continents, underscoring its growing international reach and its commitment to establishing Marrakech as a hub for the exchange of artistic works, ideas, and talent.
According to the festival management, “the sixth edition places particular emphasis on the role of cultural diplomacy at the heart of the festival’s mission. Through cinema and short films, the festival aims to build bridges between countries, strengthen dialogue between cultures, and unite artists, institutions, and professionals around a common language: the language of creativity.”
“This international scope is complemented by a stronger local presence. The festival will utilize several iconic Marrakech venues, including El Badi Palace, Cyber Park Gardens, The Folk, the French Institute of Marrakech, Meydene, and World Storytelling Café. This initiative places cinema at the heart of the city, fostering opportunities for interaction among international guests, Moroccan professionals, and the local public.”
Cultural diplomacy gains particular significance this year with Malta chosen as the guest country. This invitation reflects a desire to strengthen cultural ties between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Malta, using cinema as a unique platform for mutual discovery, dialogue, and cooperation.
The Maltese program will feature nine short films, encompassing fiction, animation, and documentary, offering Moroccan audiences a glimpse into the diversity of Maltese creativity and cultural heritage.
Speaking at the event, the Consul General of the Republic of Malta stated, “I am honored that Malta is the guest country at the sixth edition of the Marrakech Short Film Festival.”
The Consul General further elaborated that “this participation is part of an effort to develop stronger cultural ties and enhance mutual understanding and friendship between Malta and the Kingdom of Morocco. This relationship finds particularly fertile ground in culture. As the Consul General points out, culture forms a true bridge between Malta and Morocco, while cinema allows Malta to affirm its distinctive position at the crossroads of Europe and Africa.”
The Maltese selection includes films in both Maltese and English, spanning drama, animation, and documentary. These films offer insights into the culture, traditions, heritage, and environment of the archipelago.
Malta’s participation is made possible by the commitment of various Maltese partners and stakeholders, alongside the festival’s established expertise in international cultural cooperation and exchange, notably through the contributions of the Malta Arts Council and the Centre for the Maltese Language.
