Created in 2001, just a few days after the 9/11 attacks, FIFM quickly developed from a festival heavily influenced by European cinema, particularly French films, into a full-fledged festival that showcases world cinema highlights and nurtures local talent. In 2018, the festival launched the Atlas Workshops — an industry and talent development program whose mission is to support the new generation of Moroccan, Arab, and African filmmakers.
Restoration & Classics: The festival’s 11th Continent Program featured restored classics, including the Egyptian masterpiece THE MUMMY (THE NIGHT OF COUNTING THE YEARS) by Shadi Abdel Salam.
Conversations Program: A flagship series of masterclasses featured directors like Tim Burton, David Cronenberg, Alfonso Cuarón, and Ava DuVernay.
The Atlas Workshops: Headed by Cristian Mungiu, the industry side bar\'s eighth edition supported 28 projects and films from across the MEA.
FIFM 2026: The festival’s 23rd edition is scheduled for November 20th to 28th.
