The Dakhla International Film Festival invites early-career filmmakers to submit their first or second feature-length project in development as part of the second edition of the "DAKHLA PROJECT."
This program is aimed at emerging filmmakers ready to direct their first or second film. Each year, ten feature film projects—both fiction and documentary—are selected, divided as follows: five Moroccan projects and five from Africa and the Middle East. Gender parity is considered during the preselection process.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
DAKHLA PROJECT is an intensive and exclusive training program led by national and international film professionals. It includes :
Online sessions before the festival,
On-site immersion during the festival,
A masterclass with a renowned film industry personality,
A project pitching session before a recognized jury,
Meetings with producers during the festival.
Three financial grants will be awarded to support project development:
1st Prize: 50,000 DHS
2nd Prize: 30,000 DHS
3rd Prize: 20,000 DHS
Beyond script development support, this program aims to assist filmmakers in the artistic and financial development of their projects, equipping them with the tools to access the international market and integrate into a professional network.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Highlight unique and meaningful projects.
Support emerging filmmakers by providing a platform for visibility and guidance.
Establish DAKHLA PROJECT as a key funding initiative on a national, African, and Middle Eastern scale.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
1. Candidats
Must be a national of Morocco or a country in Africa or the Middle East.
Must have already directed an artistic or audiovisual work (feature film, short film, animation, documentary, music video, web series, etc.).
Must possess or be in the process of obtaining a professional card.
Must be proficient in Arabic, French, or English (applications can be submitted in French or English).
Must be available to attend all program sessions.
Each candidate may submit only one project.
2. Projects
Must be a feature-length fiction or documentary film intended for theatrical release.
Must have Moroccan nationality or originate from a country in Africa or the Middle East.
Must be original and free of rights issues.
Must demonstrate strong writing quality, a clear artistic vision, and a compelling subject.
Must not contradict Morocco’s fundamental values or promote ideas against human rights (e.g., racism, discrimination, etc.).
Winners must include the festival’s logo in their film credits.
SELECTION PROCESS
1. Preselection
An initial evaluation is conducted by a jury composed of festival organizers and international partners.
20 projects are shortlisted.
2. Final selection
A second jury selects the 10 finalist projects (5 Moroccan, 5 international).
APPLICATION FILE CONTENT
The submitted file must include:
Project synopsis
Director’s statement of intent
Producer’s note (if applicable)
Screenplay continuity or treatment
Director’s biography
Producer’s biography (if applicable)
Screening link to a previously directed short film
SCHEDULE
1. Submission
Application submission: Until April 15, 2025.
2. Intermediate session
Announcement of the 10 selected projects: April 30, 2025.
Remote discussion sessions : May 10 – 15, 2025 (2 projects per day).
3. Sessions during the festival
The festival will take place between June 14 – 20, 2025.
Individual coaching: Introduction to pitching.
Masterclass: Meeting with a renowned filmmaker.
Pitching session: Before a professional jury.
Winner announcement: On the morning of the festival’s closing day.
Award ceremony: During the festival’s closing event.
CONTACT
Applications must be submitted via the following link: https://en.festival-dakhla.com/registration-dakhla-project
For technical inquiries, contact:
Mr. Rachid Zaki (General Coordinator of "DAKHLA PROJECT")
📧 [email protected]