Moroccan Cinema Shines Bright at the 2025 Red Sea International Film Festival

At the 2025 Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF), Moroccan cinema stands out with two remarkable short films that reaffirm the country’s creative strength and its growing influence on the regional film landscape. Held in Jeddah’s historic Al Balad from 4 to 13 December, the Festival brings together powerful narratives from across the Arab world, yet the Moroccan contributions distinguish themselves through emotional depth, storytelling finesse, and intimate portrayals of human experience.

Morocco is represented by With The Wind from Ines Lehaire and Quo Vadis Meryem by Amine Zeriouh. Both films capture the spirit of contemporary Moroccan cinema: subtle, humane, and rooted in everyday emotion.

With The Wind follows an elderly florist on the final day of his boutique. As he prepares to close for good, he teams up with Nassim, a young delivery man, to give away his remaining flowers. The journey that follows is gentle yet profound, awakening forgotten emotions through small gestures and unexpected encounters. Lehaire’s film offers a delicate meditation on memory, legacy, and the quiet beauty of shared moments.

Quo Vadis Meryem by Amine Zeriouh explores the complexity of marital bonds. After visiting a dying friend, Meryem feels the urgency of reconnecting with her husband. Their journey takes them back to a place filled with memories, where an unresolved family secret resurfaces. The film unfolds as a tender yet intense portrayal of love, silence, and the emotional weight borne within families. It captures the fragility of human relationships with remarkable sincerity.

These two Moroccan films stand at the forefront of a North African lineup that includes works from Tunisia and Algeria, yet they carry their own distinct sensibility. Shot with precision and emotional authenticity, they reflect a new generation of Moroccan filmmakers unafraid to explore introspective narratives and the subtleties of human behavior.

Beyond the films themselves, their presence at RSIFF confirms Morocco’s rising place on the international cinematic map. In recent years, Moroccan directors have gained increasing visibility, with national productions earning selections and awards at major festivals. Their participation at RSIFF reinforces the country’s role as a creative hub within the region.

The Festival, known for championing bold voices and diverse storytelling, provides a global platform for Moroccan talent to shine. As Jeddah becomes a meeting point for the industry, the inclusion of With The Wind and Quo Vadis Meryem allows Moroccan cinema to engage new audiences and spark meaningful conversations about its evolution.

As the 2025 edition unfolds, Moroccan filmmakers once again demonstrate that the country’s stories resonate far beyond its borders. Through tenderness, introspection, and cinematic honesty, these films celebrate Morocco’s artistic identity while contributing to the broader narrative of North African cinema.