Atlas Distribution Awards

Given the anticipation of professionals attending the Marrakech International Film Festival and in light of the enthusiastic response to the launch of the first Atlas Distribution Awards in 2023, the Atlas Workshops is keen to make the scheme permanent. Unique in Morocco and the Arab and African countries, these awards support circulation of films in these territories as well as theatrical distribution of films by filmmakers from the region that are selected for the Festival.

The Atlas Distribution Awards are cash prizes presented to the distributors of the winning films to support release strategies in at least two Arab or African countries, with a minimum one week’s programming and seven screenings per week. Films directed by Moroccan filmmakers may apply with plans for a single theatrical release in Morocco, but special consideration is given to entries presenting a dual release strategy, in Morocco and a second Arab or African country.

Comprised of three professionals and the head of the Atlas Workshops, the Atlas Distribution Awards committee is responsible for assessing:
_{—the expertise of the distributor in the territories concerned}
_{—the innovative and creative nature of the distribution strategy as it is adapted to the specificity of the film in question}
_{—the viability of the release budget}
_{—the relevance of the distribution strategy with regard to target territories, media, and audience}
_{—the distributor’s commitment to providing all requested feedback after the release strategy has been executed.}

In addition to the prizes, this year's Atlas Distribution Awards will feature an innovative day of exchanges and discussion aimed at optimizing the work of the regional distribution players.

In 2023, 14 films are supported through 24 releases.

Animalia by Sofia Alaoui (Morocco)

Banel & Adama by Ramata-Toulaye Sy (Senegal)

Birdland by Leila Kilani (Morocco)

Bye Bye Tiberias by Lina Soualem (Palestine)

Deserts by Faouzi Bensaidi (Morocco)

Disco Afrika by Luck Razanajaona (Madagascar)

Goodbye Julia by Mohamed Kordofani (Sudan)

The Mother of All Lies by Asmae El Moudir (Morocco)

Hounds by Kamal Lazraq (Morocco)

Behind the Mountains by Mohamed Ben Attia (Tunisia)

Machtat by Sonia Ben Slama (Tunisia)