As part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture (YoC), the 2024 Ajyal Film Festival will screen a specially curated showcase of contemporary Moroccan short films that capture the essence of the country’s rich cultural landscape and evolving social fabric.

The ‘Made in Morocco’ programme at Ajyal presented in partnership with the Marrakech Short Film Festival and Qatar-Morocco 2024 YoC will offer audiences a unique glimpse into the creative vibrancy of Morocco's emerging cinema scene.

Following the earlier ‘Made in Qatar’ screenings at the Marrakech Short Film Festival, Ajyal’s showcase pays rich tribute to the strong cultural ties between the two nations.

Doha Film Institute CEO and festival director Fatma Hassan Alremaihi said: “By celebrating Morocco’s rich cinematic storytelling here in Qatar, we honour the deep cultural ties that connect us and reaffirm our shared commitment to understanding, unity, and friendship through the arts.”

The Scarecrow (Morocco/2024) by Anas Zematiis is about Said who longs for a better future with his beloved Zineb while Why Did You Leave The Horse Alone? (France/2023) by Faouzi Bensaïdi is a contemplative exploration of decision making in the creative process, set against the vastness of nature, where artistic challenges and practical realities collide.

Moon (Palestine, France, Qatar, Jordan, UAE /2024) by Zineb Wakrim tells the story of Hasna and Samad, who find solace in painting.

What Else Grows on the Palm of Your Hand? (Morocco, Belgium, France /2023) by Dhiaa Biya is a visually intimate film that explores the bond between Hayat and her late grandmother, conveyed through the simplest of gestures.

Bye Bye Benz Benz (France, Morocco/2023) by Mamoun Rtal Bennani and Jules Rouffio follows Kbir, one of the last Mercedes taxi drivers in Morocco, as he faces the modernisation of public transportation. Bottles (Morocco/2024) by Yassine El Idrissi is about 13-year-old Said who collects empty bottles to sell.

The Made in Morocco programme will be screened at various festival venues from November 16-23.