The Marrakech Film Festival has grown in step with Morocco’s thriving cinema scene. When it premiered in 2001, the local industry produced about five films a year; today Morocco sees roughly 40 new titles annually, thanks to stakeholder support, improved production infrastructure, and festival programming that nurtures emerging talent. Flagship initiatives like the Atlas Workshops have been instrumental in mentoring the next generation of Moroccan filmmakers through script development, hands-on practice, and international exposure. Among the rising talents shaping this new wave are Leyna Tahiri, Driss Ramdi, Youssef Michraf, and Meriame Essadak, four Moroccan artists who are drawing attention at festivals and on national screens for their distinctive voices and bold storytelling. Why Moroccan cinema matters: it offers diverse genres, regional perspectives, and high creative energy that resonate with audiences at home and abroad. For fans and industry professionals, Marrakech remains a premier platform to discover, support, and collaborate with Morocco’s future filmmaking leaders. Stay connected to Atlas Workshops updates and festival news to follow the journeys of these talents as Moroccan cinema expands on the global stage.