The world’s leading filmmakers and stars are set to arrive in Morocco as the renowned Es Saadi Resort in Marrakesh hosts the city’s 25th Annual International Film Festival this season.
From December 2 to December 10, Marrakesh transforms into a vibrant epicenter for cinema, welcoming acclaimed directors, celebrated actors, and industry professionals for the Marrakesh International Film Festival. This annual event shines a spotlight on the luminaries shaping the global film industry.
In 2024, the festival drew over 100,000 attendees, including luminaries such as Martin Scorsese, Gemma Arterton, and Monica Bellucci. This year, the program honors the legendary French actress Isabelle Adjani, visionary director Paul Verhoeven, and influential Japanese filmmaker Shinya Tsukamoto.
5-star Es Saadi Resort in Marrakesh
Beyond its dedication to Arabic and African cinema, the 2025 edition celebrates the artistry of Russian filmmaking, with an esteemed delegation of Russian creatives presenting the highly anticipated cinematography awards.
As part of the immersive festivities, Marrakesh’s iconic Jemaa El-Fnaa square will once again be transformed into a spectacular open-air cinema, offering a truly unique viewing experience under the Moroccan sky.
5-star Es Saadi Resort in Marrakesh
Since its inaugural edition in 2001, the luxurious Es Saadi Resort has been the festival’s beating heart, hosting exclusive gatherings, press briefings, and intimate culinary evenings featuring refined Moroccan gastronomy.
Established in 1966 by Jean Bauchet—also the visionary behind Paris’ Moulin Rouge—the Es Saadi Resort boasts a rich legacy that seamlessly blends classic sophistication with cinematic allure. Its guestbook features royalty, global celebrities, and cultural icons, including Princess Margaret, Leonardo DiCaprio, and The Rolling Stones.
5-star Es Saadi Resort in Marrakesh
During our recent stay, we explored lush gardens, meandered alongside serene lagoon pools accented by Roman-inspired columns, and relaxed in the opulent Assyrian lounge adorned with winged equine sculptures and Swarovski-encrusted velvet seating. The expansive retreat also boasts a world-class spa, multiple acclaimed restaurants and bars, as well as a vibrant nightclub and casino.
Film enthusiasts may recognize Es Saadi from the BBC’s adaptation of John Le Carré’s The Night Manager, where the resort famously doubled as an opulent Cairo hotel.
Discover room availability and reserve your stay here.
www.essaadi.com