The Zagora International Film Festival was born from a deep desire to create a genuine space for cultural exchange, allowing filmmakers from all over the world to immerse themselves in the Saharan and Amazigh cultures—a living, multidimensional culture that spans cinema, music, the arts of daily life, local cuisine, communal spirit, nature, and values of generosity and hospitality.

Arriving in Zagora is a unique experience for directors and guests, where the encounter goes beyond film screenings to include direct human and cultural interaction with the place and its people, in a context that respects local traditions while celebrating diversity.
The festival covers accommodation, meals, and local transportation within Zagora for all participants, ensuring that filmmakers can fully immerse themselves in the cultural and cinematic experience without logistical concerns."

During the festival, daily excursions are organized to explore the region’s historical and cultural landmarks, including Tamegroute, the Amezrou Kasbah, and the historic Koranic Library, enhancing visitors’ understanding of the rich cultural context the city embodies.

The festival consists of two official sections:
Documentary Competition
Short Film Competition (maximum 15 minutes)

An independent jury is appointed for each category, composed of cinematic and cultural figures, ensuring fair and specialized evaluation for every type of film.

Screenings take place inside the cultural center of Zagora, in addition to open-air screenings in the desert on a large specially prepared screen. This unique visual and human experience blends cinema with the desert environment, offering both the audience and guests an exceptional moment of film viewing beyond traditional theaters.

In Zagora, cinema becomes a true bridge for dialogue—a space where contemporary creativity meets living heritage, and where images connect with people and place. Participating in this festival is not merely a professional milestone, but a complete cultural and aesthetic experience that leaves a lasting impact on memory and imagination, giving films a human dimension that transcends the screen.

The festival invites all filmmakers and cineastes to embark on this artistic adventure in the heart of the desert, where stories are born from silence and cinema is told through the language of the land, light, and human presence.

Awards & Prizes

Awards – Documentary Film Competition
Golden Nomad Award
Silver Nomad Award
Bronze Nomad Award

Awards – Fiction Film Competition
Golden Nomad Award
Silver Nomad Award
Bronze Nomad Award

Audience Award – Best Film
Awarded to the film (documentary or fiction) most appreciated by the festival audience, based on public vote.

Rules & Terms

RULES AND TERMS:
These rules (the “Rules”) apply to all submissions to Fondation du Festival International du Cinéma de Zagora
By submitting your film (the “Film”) for consideration for inclusion in the festival operated by Fondation (the “Festival”), you (the “Applicant” or “You”) hereby agree to be bound by these Rules.

SUBMISSION
•
THE FESTIVAL will consider each submission received (a “Submission”) against the Eligibility Criteria (defined below).
• A Film which does not meet the Eligibility Criteria as of the date of submission will not be selected.
• THE FESTIVAL may, at its absolute discretion, decide to accept a submission which meets the Eligibility Criteria, but is not obliged to screen any particular Film at the Festival even if the Film meets the Eligibility Criteria.
• Due to the amount of submission received individual feedback may not be possible, 1.5 Successful applicants will be contacted in late September or early October 2026, and in any case by October 10th, when the full list of selected documentaries will be published on the Festival website
• Successful applicants will be forwarded a copy of the THE FESTIVAL Screening Agreement. Submissions from successful applicants who do not agree to the FESTIVAL Screening Agreement will not be screened.
• Applicants can submit one project only.
• In case of selection, the festival reserves the right to use stills and excerpts from the films for promotional purposes, not exceeding 10 % of the running time, or a maximum of 3 minutes.
• Entrants are not entitled to claim screening or rental fees for the screenings of their films in competition.
• The festival office doesn’t have the possibility to answer questions about status of entries or progress of selection.
• Materials submitted will not be returned. We strongly recommend that you do not submit original materials.

ELIGIBILITY
Submission is eligible if all of the following conditions are met:
• The Submission is received before the due date of June 15th, 2026
• Documentaries have commenced production from no earlier than 1st January 2024
The Film has never been, and will not be before November 23rd, 2026, released on DVD, freely available online (however, the Festival may at its discretion accept Films which have been theatrically released or previously screened at other festivals).
• The documentary contains English subtitles, even if it is in English language; Such English subtitles are also sent on separate document (to be translated in other languages/subtitles))
• Eligible formats for screening copies of selected films to be screened during the festival is MP4 or .MOV file, h264 or h265 codec..
• THE FESTIVAL prefers that Films be submitted for competition via FilmFreeway . In alternative, via secure YouTube or Vimeo screeners to the email address Filmfestivalzagora@gmail.com only

WARRANTY

By submitting your Film, you warrant that:
• You are free to submit the Film to the Festival
• The Film meets the Eligibility Criteria; and
• You have obtained all necessary clearances in respect of the Film and the Film does not infringe the rights (including without limitation copyright) of any third party

12 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • HATTAM ANASS

    It was a great experience for me, and I’m grateful to have been part of it.

    January 2026
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  • Hossam Halim

    Zagora Film Festival was truly something special. I came back home with the Domitila Prize in my valise, and honestly I’m still emotional about it. Watching films screened on the sand in the desert was simply magical, an experience I’ll never forget. Beyond that, the networking was wonderful, and the staff were incredibly kind and attentive. It wasn’t just a festival for me, it was a truly unforgettable experience. Hope to be back again soon.

    January 2026
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  • Andreas Aicka Thomsen

    Attending the Zagora International Film Festival was an incredible experience, everything was clearly communicated and I made many friends during the intense days of the 5-day festival.
    The technical setup and the official selection was at times questionable, however, overall the quality was high and the festival well organised, everyone was well taken care of.
    Thank you!

    December 2025
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  • Diego Rotella

    Special things happens in Zagora. Magic atmosphere, perfect organization and hospitality. Can’t wait to be back again next year!

    December 2025
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  • Enase Ghoneim

    Best experience ever. Thank you to all the festival team

    December 2025
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