Morocco's film industry is flourishing, thanks in part to initiatives like the Atlas Workshops and Tamayouz Foundation. These programs have connected emerging filmmakers with international opportunities, and their efforts are starting to pay off.
Four Moroccan talents are making waves in Marrakech: Leyna Tahiri, Driss Ramdi, Youssef Michraf, and Meriame Essadak. Each has their own unique story, but they all share a passion for storytelling that is taking them places around the world.
Leyna Tahiri, director of "Earth and Ashes," began her career in politics before turning to film. Her latest short follows a tense judicial process after the death of a foreign-born architect, leaving his Moroccan family to decide between secular and Islamic traditions. Michraf's feature, "Sweet Disposition," blends body horror with a coming-of-age narrative and won several awards at the Atlas Workshops.
Driss Ramdi is an actor who has built a steady career in France and Morocco, including roles in films like "Baden Baden" and "A Decent Man." He's determined to take on more complex roles and wants to work with directors who value nuance and specificity. On a lighter note, he's also exploring stand-up comedy.
Youssef Michraf is another director who has gained recognition for his unique blend of body horror and coming-of-age narrative. After training in France, he launched his debut feature at the Atlas Workshops and now seeks to reposition it outside the French system after moving to Los Angeles.
Meriame Essadak has worn many hats throughout her career, from education to foreign services to marketing before breaking into film through incubator programs with Tamayouz Cinema Foundation and the Atlas Workshops. She's developing several projects, including "La Piste," a psychological thriller that won the Tangier Film Festival pitch competition in 2024.
These individuals are part of a growing group of Moroccan talents who are making waves in the film industry. They're not only producing compelling content but also helping to create a more inclusive and diverse film landscape in Morocco.
Four Moroccan talents are making waves in Marrakech: Leyna Tahiri, Driss Ramdi, Youssef Michraf, and Meriame Essadak. Each has their own unique story, but they all share a passion for storytelling that is taking them places around the world.
Leyna Tahiri, director of "Earth and Ashes," began her career in politics before turning to film. Her latest short follows a tense judicial process after the death of a foreign-born architect, leaving his Moroccan family to decide between secular and Islamic traditions. Michraf's feature, "Sweet Disposition," blends body horror with a coming-of-age narrative and won several awards at the Atlas Workshops.
Driss Ramdi is an actor who has built a steady career in France and Morocco, including roles in films like "Baden Baden" and "A Decent Man." He's determined to take on more complex roles and wants to work with directors who value nuance and specificity. On a lighter note, he's also exploring stand-up comedy.
Youssef Michraf is another director who has gained recognition for his unique blend of body horror and coming-of-age narrative. After training in France, he launched his debut feature at the Atlas Workshops and now seeks to reposition it outside the French system after moving to Los Angeles.
Meriame Essadak has worn many hats throughout her career, from education to foreign services to marketing before breaking into film through incubator programs with Tamayouz Cinema Foundation and the Atlas Workshops. She's developing several projects, including "La Piste," a psychological thriller that won the Tangier Film Festival pitch competition in 2024.
These individuals are part of a growing group of Moroccan talents who are making waves in the film industry. They're not only producing compelling content but also helping to create a more inclusive and diverse film landscape in Morocco.