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OUARZAZATE
INTERNATIONAL
UNIVERSITY
FILM FESTIVAL

28 - 30 April 2026
OUARZAZATE | MOROCCO

About the Festival

Born at the crossroads of cinema, academia, and territory, the OUARZAZATE International University Film Festival (OIUFF) emerges from a profound transformation within the Multidisciplinary Faculty of Ouarzazate. Over recent years, cinema and audiovisual education has taken a decisive leap forward, marked by the creation of a Center of Excellence. Conceived as a space for encounter and exchange, OIUFF brings together international filmmakers, directors, researchers, and lecturers.

Guest of Honor

Japanese Cinema

3 Days

of International Programming

30+

international filmmakers, scholars, and artists

7+

Countries Represented

Environnement créatif du festival
Collaboration d'artistes
Vernissage d'une exposition d'art

Festival Goals

The core principles guiding the vision, mission, and academic orientation of the OIUFF.

Cinema & Academic Dialogue

Create a space for exchange between filmmakers, scholars, researchers, and students, connecting cinematic practice with academic research.

International Collaboration

Foster international cooperation between universities, research centers, film institutions, and creative industries from different countries.

Education & Emerging Talents

Support students and emerging filmmakers through screenings, masterclasses, workshops, and access to international expertise.

Art, Technology & Innovation

Explore the relationship between cinema, digital media, and new technologies, including artificial intelligence and contemporary audiovisual practices.

Guest of Honor

Japanese Cinema

Japanese Cinema

A Tribute to Japanese Cinema

For its inaugural edition, the Ouarzazate International University Film Festival (OIUFF) is honored to welcome Japanese Cinema as its Guest of Honor.

Renowned for its artistic rigor, narrative depth, and philosophical approach to storytelling, Japanese cinema has played a major role in shaping global film culture, influencing generations of filmmakers across continents.

Through this tribute, OIUFF highlights the richness and diversity of Japanese cinematic traditions, while encouraging dialogue between cultures, academic research, and contemporary creative practices.

Curatorial Focus

  • Classical and contemporary Japanese cinema
  • New cinematic narratives and visual aesthetics
  • Dialogue between tradition, modernity, and technology

Festival Highlights

Panorama of Japanese cinema screenings
Academic talks and discussions on Japanese film culture
International exchange with filmmakers and scholars

Ouarzazate, Land of Cinema

A land where landscapes, light, and imagination have shaped world cinema

Ouarzazate cinema

Organizing Team

Meet the passionate individuals behind OIUFF

Elena Rodriguez

Dr. Nabil Saffaj

President

The Dean of the Multidisciplinary Faculty of Ouarzazate and President of OIUFF, committed to advancing cinema, education, and cultural exchange.

Marcus Chen

Dr. Rabii El-Jawhari

Director

Professor of film and Moroccan filmmaker, Director of the Center of Excellence for Cinema and Audiovisual at the Multidisciplinary Faculty of Ouarzazate.

Sarah Williams

Dr. Nihad Dindine

Public Relations

Professor in the Art, Languages and Human Sciences Department at the Multidisciplinary Faculty of Ouarzazate.

James Park

Dr. Karima Moukharij

Communication

Professor of Film at the Center of Excellence for Cinema and Audiovisual in the Multidisciplinary Faculty of Ouarzazate | Film director and producer.

David Thompson

Dr. Essâdia Hannaoui

Operational Logistics

Professor in the Art, Languages and Human Sciences Department at the Multidisciplinary Faculty of Ouarzazat.

Amira Hassan

Dr. Mourad Fahli

Secretary

Professor of English Studies at Mouhamed V University.

James Park

Dr.Adil Klei

Program

Professor of Film at the Center of Excellence for Cinema and Audiovisual in the Multidisciplinary Faculty of Ouarzazate | Film director and producer.

James Park

Dr. Mouhamed Benaddy

Digital Content

Vice Dean of the Multidisciplinary Faculty of Ouarzazate, in charge of pedagogical affairs.

James Park

Dr. Driss Boutaayamou

Coordinator

Vice Dean of the Multidisciplinary Faculty of Ouarzazate, in charge of academic affairs.

James Park

Mr. Oubodib Youb

Digital Content

Digitalization Manager at the Multidisciplinary Faculty of Ouarzazate

Our Partners

Supporting excellence in cinema, culture, and academic innovation

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Partnership Opportunities

Join us in supporting cinema, culture, and academic exchange. Multiple partnership levels are available.

Participate in OIUFF 2026

Submit your artistic vision and join our celebration of contemporary creativity

Vimeo, Google Drive, YouTube (private links accepted).

Upload your portfolio files (images, PDFs)

Maximum 1 file — 1MB max.

Participation Agreement

IJACT Call for Papers

Call for Papers

The International Journal of Arts, Cultures, and Technology (IJACT) invites scholars, researchers, artists, and practitioners to contribute to its inaugural issue exploring contemporary artistic and cultural configurations in the digital age.

  • • Theme: Contemporary Artistic and Cultural Configurations in the Digital Age
  • • Issue: Volume 1 — No. 1 (January 2026)
  • • Peer-reviewed academic publication
  • • Interdisciplinary approaches welcome
  • • Submission deadline: October 31, 2025

Practical Information

Key dates and benefits for participating in OIUFF

Important Dates

Call for Films Opens: January 2026
Submission Deadline: March 2026
Selection Notification: April 2026
Festival Dates: April 28–30, 2026

Participation Benefits

Official Festival Selection

Selected films are screened as part of the official OIUFF program.

Academic & Professional Exchange

Engage with filmmakers, scholars, and researchers through panels and discussions.

International Visibility

Exposure to an international academic and cinematic audience.

Dialogues & Masterclasses

Access to conferences, masterclasses, and thematic discussions.