Montreal, November 7, 2025 – The Moroccan feature film “Al Massira”, directed by Youssef Britel, was screened Thursday evening in Montreal as part of the 31st edition of the Cinémania Francophone Film Festival, where Morocco is the guest of honor. The film depicts the epic Green March through the perspectives of diverse characters and stars Mourad Zaoui, Zineb Triki, Saadia Azegoun, Said Bey, Driss Roukhe, and Aziz Dadas, portraying the intertwined destinies of those who participated in this historic event.
In his speech, Mourad Benbrahim, counselor at the Moroccan Embassy in Canada, highlighted that the screening of “Al Massira,” coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Green March, comes just days after the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 concerning the Moroccan Sahara, which affirms the relevance and primacy of the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative as the only realistic solution to the artificially created regional dispute.
Benbrahim emphasized that this international recognition results from the sustained efforts of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the Sovereign’s personal commitment to this issue, addressing an audience composed of cultural and artistic figures as well as members of the Moroccan community in Canada.
He also highlighted the unprecedented development in the Southern Provinces of Morocco through major strategic projects, including the Dakhla Atlantic Port, along with initiatives in healthcare, higher education, economy, logistics, and connectivity, as well as the King’s African initiatives, such as the Royal Initiative facilitating Sahel countries’ access to the Atlantic Ocean.
Benbrahim stressed that “Al Massira” represents a significant artistic contribution to promoting patriotism and raising awareness about the Green March, especially among the younger generation.
In this context, the role of the Moroccan Cinematographic Center is central: it supports the production and promotion of Moroccan cinema, facilitates the participation of national films in international festivals, and ensures the visibility of Morocco’s cultural identity on the global stage. Its support for the film is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the dynamism of Moroccan cinema and enable national filmmakers to reach a diverse international audience.
He added that Morocco’s selection as guest of honor reflects the growing global interest in Moroccan cinema and recognizes the vitality of the country’s cultural scene, which has significantly expanded in recent years under the King’s patronage.
This year’s festival showcases a selection of Moroccan feature and short films, alongside an exhibition and professional events, including: “The Heir of Secrets” by Mohamed Nadif, “Rue Málaga” by Maryam Touzani, winner of the Audience Award “Spotlight” at the 82nd Venice Film Festival, “Sirāt” by Oliver Laxe, and “13 Days, 13 Nights” by Mathieu Bourboulon.
Cinémania also highlights voices from the Moroccan diaspora in Quebec, through a generation of creators exploring their relationship with heritage, memory, and cultural identity.
Founded in 1995, Cinémania is a cornerstone event of Montreal’s cultural scene. In its last edition in November 2024, the festival attracted 100,000 attendees over 12 days, featuring 120 films.
