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Bucket list experience:

Empty movie theater with red seats

Last updated: 07 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Mandy Sinclair

This well-respected film festival is about to move into its third decade, featuring films from the Middle East and North Africa, as well as showcasing other regions around the world.

The competition for feature films and short films is fierce, with some of the world’s best auteurs presenting their latest works of art. Seeing films in the main Jemaa El Fna square is quite a treat too.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price from: £5
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
Frequency: annually
When: Early December
Duration: 7-10 days

Getting there & doing it

None of the locations for screenings are difficult to get to, but if you’re not in walking distance, allow plenty of time to get there as it’s a busy period for the city and traffic can be slow. There are free public screenings in the main square, Jemaa El Fna.

Many tickets are dedicated to industry; tickets set aside for the general public are sold on a first-come, first-served basis directly from individual venues. View the festival website for venue and contact details.

When to do it

The festival takes place annually, over ten days in early December.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Riad El Fenn

Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.2 miles]

Trendy boutique hotel in Marrakech’s old city, an easy walk to the medina’s palaces and souks, with the lively Jemaa el Fna just five minutes away.

Official star rating:

Royal Mansour

Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.4 miles]

A flamboyant, palatial hotel commissioned by the Moroccan king, popular with European royalty and celebrities. The place to stay in Marrakech.

Official star rating:

La Mamounia

Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.5 miles]

Sumptuous suites, monumental spa and massive pools make this luxurious legend a royal favourite.

Official star rating:

La Villa des Orangers

Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.5 miles]

One of Marrakech’s most luxurious riads, in a super convenient location, with a level of refinement and comfort that’s unmatched.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Hot-air balloon flights over Marrakech

Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.1 miles]

Float high over dramatic, arid landscapes and look down into traditional Berber villages – a unique and thought-provoking perspective on a spectacular landscape.

Best for ages: 10+ | £150 | 5+ hours

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Jemaa El Fna

Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.4 miles]

UNESCO World Heritage-listed central square that hums with snake charmers, musicians, magicians and other exotics.

Best for ages: 6+ | Free

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Souks of the Medina

Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.5 miles]

The world’s quintessential Arabic bazaar, the Medina’s maze-like souks are a shopper’s paradise.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

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Bacha Cafe

Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.8 miles]

Nestled inside the Dar el Bacha palace, Bacha Cafe is elegance at its finest. Coffee recommendations are suggested based on time of day, and are best accompanied by a treat from the cake counter.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Interior of ornately-tiled museum with Moroccan carpets on display
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Dar Si Said Museum

Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.9 miles]

An impressive 19th-century palace with intricate Byzantine designs, Dar Si Said is home to a huge collection of artworks, instruments, arms and some of the oldest artifacts in the city.

Best for ages: 18+ | £3

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Bab Doukkala Market

Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[1 miles]

Bustling with fishmongers and butchers, street vendors selling in-season fruit and veg, bread fresh from the local oven, and more. In between, small kitchens serve street food specialties through the morning and afternoon.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Saadian Tombs

Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[1 miles]

Royal tombs of the Saadi dynasty, dating back to the 16th century, decorated with mosaics and intricate woodwork. There are no explanation panels to explain the historical relevance, so only really worthwhile if you’re interested in decorative arts.

Best for ages: 18+ | £6

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