The Inauguration of the African Capitals of Culture Headquarters in Rabat
Rabat has taken a significant leap in its cultural prominence within Africa with the inauguration of the headquarters of the African Capitals of Culture (CAC). This event was attended by institutional leaders, diplomats, and notable figures from the cultural sector, marking a crucial step in Morocco's commitment to African cooperation and intercultural dialogue. During the ceremony, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, whose speech was delivered on his behalf, emphasized Africa's exceptional cultural richness and remarkable linguistic diversity. He highlighted that under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco places culture and human capital at the heart of its development agenda and its African identity.
Minister Bensaid also raised concerns about the phenomenon known as the "drain of imaginations," which sees many African creators contributing to cultural industries outside the continent. He asserted that African cultural and creative industries possess immense potential, driven by an increasingly educated, connected, and technology-savvy youth. The establishment of this headquarters in Rabat signifies a new era where culture serves as a strategic tool for transforming African societies, fostering social cohesion, and driving economic development.
Open Call for Documentary Film Festival in Khouribga
Another key event in Morocco's cultural calendar is the announcement by the Khouribga International Documentary Film Festival Association regarding the opening of applications for its 17th edition, scheduled to take place from December 23 to 26. Organizers have stated that submissions will remain open until the end of July. This year, two official competitions will be held: one for professionals and another exclusively for students from film schools, institutes, and universities.
Films submitted must have been produced between 2024 and 2026 and must meet the required artistic and technical standards in image quality, sound, and creative filmmaking approaches. Interested documentary filmmakers are invited to submit a dossier that includes a synopsis, a biography of the director in Arabic and English, a promotional poster, and official screening authorization in case of selection. Details regarding the juries, awards, and honored personalities will be shared progressively over the coming months.
As reported by quid.ma.
Cultural Days Celebrated in Tétouan
In Tétouan, the Cultural Days of the Iklyle Center were launched under the initiative of the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Promotion of Social Works in Education and Training. Running until June 21, this event aims to enhance access to culture and promote various artistic and literary expressions to a broader audience. The program features exhibitions, literary meetings, readings, creative workshops, concerts, reading competitions, and various activities for children, all designed to transform the Iklyle Center into a hub of exchange, transmission, and discovery.
The opening ceremony featured the inauguration of a photographic exhibition titled "60 Years of Photography," resulting from a collaboration with the Gibraltar Photographic Society. This exhibition showcases 68 works created by 25 photographers, providing a reflective look at several decades of photographic creation. The festivities continued with a tribute to the facilitators of the workshops at the center and a concert of Andalusian music performed by the Mohammed Larbi Temsamani Orchestra. According to Imad El Attar, the director of the Iklyle Center, these days aim to establish the center as a beacon of creativity and a bridge for cultural dialogue, enhancing the cultural landscape of Tétouan and the broader region.
