Brazilian director Kleber Mendonça Filho, acclaimed for his film 'The Secret Agent,' is set to become the patron of the 9th edition of the Atlas Workshops, a significant program within the Marrakech Film Festival. This initiative, taking place from November 22 to 26, is designed to support and cultivate film production from Morocco, other Arab nations, and across the African continent, with Filho serving as a mentor to up-and-coming filmmakers.
Filho's distinguished career includes international successes such as 'Neighboring Sounds' (2012), 'Aquarius' (2016), and 'Bacurau on the Map' (2019), the latter earning the Jury Prize at Cannes. His most recent critically acclaimed work, 'The Secret Agent' (2025), not only secured the Best Director award at Cannes but also garnered two Golden Globe awards and four Academy Award nominations. Expressing his enthusiasm for the role, Filho noted that engaging with fresh perspectives and understanding the aspirations of new generations of filmmakers is a profound source of inspiration for his own artistic endeavors. He highlighted the unique setting of Marrakech, a city he finds captivating, and its exceptional film festival as an ideal environment to witness the genesis of new cinematic creations.
This year's Atlas Workshops have meticulously selected 30 projects and films from a pool of 320 submissions in development and 90 productions in various stages. These selections are categorized into three main areas: 14 projects in development, 11 films already in production or post-production, and five dedicated projects within the Atlas Close-Ups section, which specifically champions Moroccan cinema. Filmmakers from 14 different countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, and Rwanda, are represented. The development slate includes a mix of 12 fiction features and two documentaries, with six being debut directorial efforts. Several returning filmmakers with acclaimed previous works, such as Amjad Abu Alala, Laila Abbas, Meryem Benm'Barek, Sofia Alaoui, and Yasmine Benkiran, are part of the selection. Furthermore, four of the films in production or post-production, including Samuel Ishimwe’s 'Seasons of the Weary Kind' and Alaa Eddine Aljem’s 'Eldorado,' previously received development support from the Atlas Workshops, underscoring the program's long-term commitment to nurturing talent.
The Atlas Programs encompass a broader suite of initiatives beyond the workshops, aiming to strengthen various facets of the film industry. The Atlas Station focuses on developing young Moroccan professionals and supporting short films in post-production, offering mentorship and resources for editing and distribution. Additionally, the Atlas Press promotes film criticism, while the Atlas Distribution Meetings facilitate networking and film circulation among professionals from Africa, the Arab world, and Europe. These interconnected programs collectively foster a vibrant ecosystem for cinematic growth and collaboration, ensuring a bright future for diverse storytelling. This comprehensive approach enriches the global film landscape, promoting cultural exchange and innovative narratives.