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Rabat — Sara Lagnaoui splits her time between Dresden’s prestigious archives and the vibrant film scene of Marrakech, keeping her passion constant: nurturing Moroccan emerging voices in cinema.
As Head of Program at the Marrakech Short Film Festival, she balances her work as an archivist at The Archiv der Avantgarden — Egidio Marzona with her ambitious mission to transform Morocco’s short film landscape.
Her dual identity as both an international archivist and festival programmer gives her a unique perspective on cinema that she brings to Morocco’s emerging film scene. This cross-cultural experience shapes her approach to building connections between local talent and global opportunities.
Supporting local voices
The Marrakech Short Film Festival goes far beyond traditional screening events under Lagnaoui’s leadership. “The Marrakech Short Film Festival supports Moroccan filmmakers by giving them both visibility and concrete opportunities to grow,” she explains.
“Our mission is to create a bridge between Marrakech and the global short film scene, not just by showing international work, but by actively investing in local talents.”
This investment takes tangible form through programs like LOW BUDGET, which helps Moroccan filmmakers bring their projects to life despite limited resources. The festival’s commitment extends into actual film production.
But the festival “is not just about screenings,” Lagnaoui argues, explaining that they “are involved in the production side as well.”
“In 2023, we produced two Moroccan short films, and we’re currently producing another one for 2025.”
The festival’s approach builds lasting relationships with filmmakers rather than one-time exhibits. “We also continue to support filmmakers who’ve been part of previous editions, because we see the festival as a platform for long-term growth,” she says.
This sustained engagement reflects Lagnaoui’s belief that Morocco’s creative potential needs nurturing over time. “In a country with so much untapped creative energy, it’s important to build an industry that gives those voices a chance to be heard not only locally but also internationally.”
A new chapter begins
This festival’s 2025 edition marks a significant evolution for the festival. Lagnaoui’s excitement about the expansion becomes clear as she describes the groundbreaking changes.
“This upcoming edition of the Marrakech Short Film Festival represents an exciting new chapter for us,” she says. “While we continue to celebrate local talents through our established National Competition, this year we are proud to introduce, for the first time, an International Competition.”
The new international category brings prestigious recognition to the festival. Selected films will compete for awards, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor/Actress. “This expansion is designed to elevate the overall quality and ambition of the festival’s lineup while also significantly enhancing its international visibility and appeal,” Lagnaoui explains.
Beyond competition categories, the festival launches innovative educational programming. The Pitch Your Short program offers practical training that addresses real industry needs.
“These hands-on training sessions, led by experienced industry professionals from the Tamayouz Foundation, cover a wide range of topics from scriptwriting and directing to film critique and distribution,” she details.
The program reflects a fundamental shift in how the festival operates. “The goal is to equip emerging filmmakers with practical skills and deep insights into the craft and the industry,” Lagnaoui says.
“This initiative goes beyond simply screening films; it aims to actively nurture and shape the next generation of storytellers.”
Industry impact
Lagnaoui sees the festival as a catalyst for broader industry development. “The Marrakech Short Film Festival contributes to Morocco’s film industry by creating real opportunities for development, production, and international exposure — especially for emerging filmmakers,” she explains.
The festival’s comprehensive approach sets it apart from traditional events that focus solely on exhibition.
“We don’t just screen films; we actively invest in the industry’s future through mentorship, production support, and professional training,” she elaborates. This multi-faceted strategy addresses the various challenges filmmakers face, from initial concept development to international distribution.
Vision for growth
Looking ahead, Lagnaoui’s ambitious plans reflect both local commitment and global perspective. “In the coming years, the Marrakech Short Film Festival aims to grow both in scale and impact locally and internationally,” she says.
“Our vision is to become a key platform for short films not just in Morocco, but across the region, by continuing to support emerging filmmakers and pushing the boundaries of what a short film festival can offer.”
The expansion plans focus on industry development rather than just audience growth. “We plan to expand our industry-focused programs, including more initiatives related to production, training labs, and international collaborations,” Lagnaoui reveals.
“With the recent introduction of the International Competition and professional workshops, we’ve already taken steps in that direction — and we intend to build on that momentum.”
Through her work, Lagnaoui demonstrates how festivals can become engines for creative industry growth. Her unique background as an international archivist informs her understanding of how cultural institutions can preserve and promote artistic heritage while fostering new talent.
As the Marrakech Short Film Festival continues to evolve, Lagnaoui’s vision of bridging local talent with international opportunities promises to reshape how Moroccan stories reach global audiences.
Her approach proves that festivals can do more than celebrate existing work — they can actively create the conditions for future creativity to flourish.
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