The 26th edition of the Universal Cedar Short Film Festival in Azrou-Ifrane launched on Thursday evening, spotlighting the preservation of Morocco's sports heritage at its core. Under the theme «Sports in Cinema: Diving into Memory», this year's festival aims to underscore the significance of celebrating the legendary figures and champions who have shaped Morocco's sports legacy. Festival director Abdelaziz Belrhali, in a statement to MAP, noted that this thematic choice aligns with Morocco's upcoming role as a co-host for the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. He also encouraged young creatives with a passion for filmmaking to capture the essence of the nation's sports history through both fictional and documentary lenses. The opening ceremony, held in a packed venue and enlivened by musical performances, paid a moving tribute to actors Hicham and Rachid El Ouali. Rachid expressed his heartfelt thanks in a statement to MAP, describing the honor as «a significant moment in a career marked by long stages». Hicham El Ouali, also celebrated for his lifelong contributions, expressed his joy at participating in this 26th edition. He remarked that the festival offers a rare chance for the residents of Ifrane and neighboring areas to engage with artists and explore their work. A total of 28 films have been selected for the official competition this year, comprising 14 fiction shorts and 14 documentaries. In addition to the film screenings, the Ifrane Conference Center will host a series of meetings and symposiums from September 19 to 21, bringing together a diverse group of academics, directors, journalists, critics, producers, and researchers. Organized by the Cine-Club Childhood and Youth Association, the festival will run through September 21 in Azrou and Ifrane.
