Functioning as a hub for research, learning, and experimentation, AML provides a nurturing space for those exploring the realms of cinema and mixed media arts as vehicles for social inquiry and transformation.
منذ إنشائه بالمغرب سنة 2010، يعمل المشروع الجمعوي “المختبر العربي لفنون الميديا” على نشر ثقافة الابداع السمعي البصري المستقل ومجال الصور الرقمية، كما يعمل أيضا على تعليم فن الصورة. تم إنشاء فعاليات ومهرجانات، من أجل المساهمة على التغييرالشخصي والمجتمعي عن طريق فنون الميديا…
🎬✨ One last Saturday under the stars.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our final screening of the season at Rooftop Films Marrakech. From the films to the conversations, the laughter, and every face in the audience — you made these nights special. 🌙
We’re closing this season with so much gratitude. ❤️
See you next summer! 🎥✨
شكراً لكل من شاركنا آخر سبت من موسم Rooftop Films Marrakech.
من الأفلام إلى النقاشات والضحكات، وكل لحظة عشناها معاً — أنتم من جعلتم هذه الليالي مميزة. 🌙
نختتم هذا الموسم بالكثير من الحب والامتنان. ❤️
نلتقاو الصيف الجاي! 🎬✨
#RooftopFilmsMarrakech #Marrakech #RooftopCinema #FilmMarrakech #CinemaUnderTheStars MarrakechEvents
This Saturday, join us under the stars for The Swimmers 🌊🎬
An inspiring true story of courage, sisterhood, and resilience, The Swimmers follows two Syrian sisters whose extraordinary journey from war to the Olympic Games is a powerful reminder of hope against all odds.
🗓️ Saturday
🕣 8:30 PM
📍 Rooftop – Arab Media Lab
🎟️ Free Entry
Bring a friend, enjoy the rooftop atmosphere, and stay for the conversation after the screening.
#RooftopFilmsMarrakech #TheSwimmers #OpenAirCinema #Marrakech #IndependentCinema CinemaUnderTheStars
Saturday 8
The Swimmers (2022)
Directed by Sally El Hosaini
Two sisters embark on an extraordinary journey, leaving war behind in pursuit of safety and a dream that refuses to fade. Inspired by a true story, *The Swimmers* is a powerful tale of courage, resilience, and the unbreakable bond of family.
Join us under the stars for an unforgettable evening of cinema.
—
عرض السبت 8 — Rooftop Films Marrakech 🎬🌙
20:30
السباحتان (2022)
إخراج: سالي الحسيني
تنطلق شقيقتان في رحلة استثنائية هربًا من الحرب، سعيًا إلى الأمان وحلمٍ يرفض أن ينطفئ. مستوحى من قصة حقيقية، يروي فيلم **السباحتان** حكاية مؤثرة عن الشجاعة، والصمود، وقوة الروابط العائلية.
انضموا إلينا تحت النجوم لقضاء أمسية سينمائية لا تُنسى.
#OpenAirCinema #RooftopFilmsMarrakech #CinemaUnderTheStars #Marrakech
#arabmedialab #marrakechfilmnights
This Saturday, join us under the stars for The President’s Cake 🎬✨
A touching story of resilience, innocence, and hope, The President’s Cake is a heartfelt journey you won’t want to miss.
🗓️ Saturday
🕣 8:30 PM
📍 Rooftop – Arab Media Lab
🎟️ Free Entry
Bring a friend, enjoy the rooftop atmosphere, and stay for the conversation after the screening.
#RooftopFilmsMarrakech #ThePresidentsCake #OpenAirCinema #Marrakech #IndependentCinema CinemaUnderTheStars
ROOFTOP FILMS MARRAKECH 2026
Returns for Its Second Edition
For the second consecutive year, Rooftop Films Marrakech 2026 returns with a curated programme of open-air screenings under the stars at the Arab Media Lab rooftop headquarters. Offering a unique cinematic experience, the initiative brings independent, arthouse, and experimental cinema to an unconventional outdoor setting in the heart of Marrakech.
This year`s programme features acclaimed filmmakers including Paul Thomas Anderson, Jafar Panahi, Tala Hadid, Na Hong-jin, Kaouther Ben Hania, Hasan Hadi, and many more, presenting audiences with a diverse selection of contemporary international cinema.
As an artistic extension of Arab Media Lab`s ongoing presence in Marrakech, Rooftop Films reinforces the organisation`s commitment to democratising access to alternative cinema, fostering dialogue, and encouraging critical engagement with film culture in Morocco and the wider region.
to read more check the link on the Bio @arabmedialab
للسنة الثانية على التوالي، تعود فعالية Rooftop Films Marrakech لعام 2026 ببرنامج منتقى من العروض السينمائية في الهواء الطلق تحت النجوم، بمقر مختبرالعربي لفنون الميديا. وتقدّم هذه المبادرة تجربة سينمائية فريدة، إذ تجلب السينما المستقلة والتجريبية إلى فضاء خارجي غير تقليدي في قلب مراكش.
يضم برنامج هذا العام مجموعة من المخرجين المرموقين، من بينهم بول توماس أندرسون، وجعفر بناهي، وتالا حديد، ونا هونغ-جين، وكوثر بن هنية، وحسن هادي،... وغيرهم، ليقدّم للجمهور تشكيلة متنوعة من السينما العالمية المعاصرة.
وكامتداد فني لحضور مختبرالعربي لفنون الميديا المستمر في مراكش، تعزز فعالية Rooftop Films Marrakech التزام المؤسسة بدمقرطة الوصول إلى السينما البديلة، وتشجيع الحوار، وتعزيز الانخراط النقدي بثقافة السينما في المغرب والمنطقة ككل.
للمزيد من المعلومات، اضغط على الرابط في البايو. @arabmedialab
OUT OF THE FRAME MARRAKECH SHORT
FILM DAYS
Cycle 2 Concludes Successfully
The second cycle of Out of the Frame Film Festival 2026 has come to a close, showcasing a diverse selection of debut and independent films by emerging filmmakers from around the world. The festival continued its commitment to discovering new voices and promoting bold, independent cinema.
This year`s international jury brought together distinguished filmmakers, curators, and media artists: Frank Rynne(Ireland), Ro Caminal (Spain), and Abdelaziz Taleb (Morocco–Germany), who evaluated the official selection and celebrated the creativity and originality of a new generation of filmmakers.
to read more check the link on the Bio @arabmedialab
اختتمت الدورة الثانية من مهرجان Out of the Frame Film Festival لعام 2026 فعالياتها، بعد أن قدّمت تشكيلة متنوعة من الأفلام الأولى والمستقلة لصانعي أفلام واعدين من مختلف أنحاء العالم. وواصل المهرجان التزامه باكتشاف أصوات جديدة وتعزيز السينما المستقلة الجريئة.
جمعت لجنة التحكيم الدولية لهذا العام نخبة من صانعي الأفلام والقيّمين والفنانين الإعلاميين المرموقين: فرانك رين (أيرلندا)، ورو كامينال (إسبانيا)، وعبد العزيز طالب (المغرب - ألمانيا)، الذين قيّموا بإختيار الافلام المشاركة في المسابقة الرسمية لهذه الدورة، واحتفوا كذلك بإبداع وأصالة جيل جديد من صانعي الأفلام.
للمزيد من المعلومات، اضغط على الرابط في البايو. @arabmedialab
We are pleased to share a new essay by Arab Media Lab founder Abdelaziz Taleb, published by A*DESK: "Beyond Validation: Western Curators, Middle Eastern and North African Avant-Gardes, and the Struggle to Tell Our Own Stories."
The article reflects on authorship, cultural dignity, and the persistent need for artists and curators from the Middle East and North Africa to define their own narratives beyond external validation. Drawing on Arab Media Lab`s experience over the past fifteen years, it explores the politics of representation and the importance of building independent cultural infrastructures.
to read more check the link on the Bio @arabmedialab
يسرنا أن نشارككم مقالًا جديدًا بقلم عبد العزيز طالب، مؤسس المختبر العربي لفنون الميديا، نشرته منصة A*DESK: "ما بعد الاعتراف: القيّمون الغربيون، الطلائع الفنية في الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا، والسعي لرواية قصصنا بأنفسنا."
يتأمل المقال في قضايا التأليف والكرامة الثقافية، والحاجة المستمرة لدى الفنانين والقيّمين من الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا لصياغة سردياتهم الخاصة بمعزل عن الاعتراف الخارجي. وبالاستناد إلى تجربة مختبر العربي لفنون الميديا على مدى خمسة عشر عامًا، يستكشف المقال سياسات التمثيل وأهمية بناء بنى تحتية ثقافية مستقلة.
للمزيد من المعلومات، اضغط على الرابط في البايو. @arabmedialab
Abdelaziz Taleb, Director of Arab Media Lab, contributed the chapter "Nomadic Visions and Digital Frontiers: The Evolution of Media Arts in Morocco and the Maghreb" to Rewriting Narratives: New Media Art from the Arab World; one of the first publications dedicated to the history and development of new media art across the Arab region.
His essay explores the emergence of media art in Morocco and North Africa, tracing its evolution, key artists, and independent initiatives that have shaped the field.
to read more check the link on the Bio @arabmedialab
ساهم عبد العزيز طالب، مدير المختبر العربي لفنون الميديا، بفصل تحت عنوان "نضرة متحركة وحدود رقمية: تطور فنون االميديا في المغرب ومنطقة المغرب العربي" ضمن كتاب "إعادة كتابة السرديات: فنون الميديا الجديدة من العالم العربي"، وهو أحد أوائل الإصدارات المخصصة لتاريخ وتطور فن الميديا الجديد في المنطقة العربية.
يستكشف مقاله ظهور فن الميديا في المغرب وشمال إفريقيا، متتبعًا تطوره وأبرز الفنانين والمبادرات المستقلة التي ساهمت في تشكيل هذا المجال.
للمزيد من المعلومات، اضغط على الرابط في البايو.
TEASER / TANGIER CHRONICLES
A film by Abdelaziz Taleb
Produced by the @arabmedialab & @t.cherchemidi
Out in Festivals circuit/ 26.02 26
Featuring film footage from #abuali #micropunta #frankerynne #mastermusiciansofjoujouka #desorgbcn
“During the “Interzone” times in Tangier, the East met the West in a debacle of utter incomprehension, each one waiting for the Other’s Answer, the Secret, without being able to find it, because neither one nor the other had it. For some, it was a place of intercultural encounters, and for many others, rather, the place of a debacle, which signals the failure of the “culturalist” approach to reality.”
خلال فترة «المنطقة الدولية» في طنجة، التقى الشرق بالغرب في مشهدٍ من سوء الفهم التام، حيث كان كلُّ طرفٍ ينتظر جوابَ الآخر، السرَّ، من دون أن يتمكّن من العثور عليه، لأن لا هذا ولا ذاك كان يملكه. بالنسبة إلى البعض، كانت مكانًا للقاءاتٍ بين الثقافات، أمّا بالنسبة إلى كثيرين غيرهم، فقد كانت بالأحرى مسرحًا لانهيارٍ يكشف فشل المقاربة «الثقافوية» للواقع.
"Inspired by a nation in perfect mental health
" مُستلهَم من أُمّةٍ تتمتّع بصحّةٍ نفسيّةٍ كاملة
DRISS WILLIS WORLD PREMIERE / MARRAKECH / 30.05.26
العرض العالمي الأوّل / مراكش / 30.05.26
WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY ABDELAZIZ TALEB
PRODUCED BY TALEB CHERCHE MID @ ARAB MEDIA LAB
@arabmedialab
@t.cherchemidi
www.arabmedialab.org
EN:
@outoftheframemarrakech , in collaboration with @rooftopfilmsmarrakech invites young and emerging filmmakers to submit their short films for an open-air screening experience that celebrates bold storytelling and new cinematic voices under the stars.
This collaboration aims to create a platform for connection, visibility, and dialogue between filmmakers and diverse audiences in Marrakech.
PRODUCED AND CURATED BY THE ARAB MEDIA LAB PROJECT: www.arabmedialab.org
@arabmedialab
Submissions to : RooftopFilmsMarrakech@gmail.com
Info@arabmedialab.org
AR:
OutOfTheFrameMarrakech
بالتعاون مع RooftopFilmsMarrakech
يدعو صانعي الأفلام الشباب والناشئين إلى تقديم أفلامهم القصيرة للمشاركة في تجربة عروض سينمائية في الهواء الطلق، تحتفي بالسرد الجريء وبالأصوات السينمائية الجديدة تحت سماء النجوم.
تهدف هذه الشراكة إلى خلق منصة للتواصل، وإتاحة مساحة للظهور،
وفتح حوار بين صانعي الأفلام وجماهير متنوعة في مراكش.
إنتاج وتنظيم: مشروع Arab Media Lab
www.arabmedialab.org
@arabmedialab
Submissions to : RooftopFilmsMarrakech@gmail.com
Info@arabmedialab.org
Official Selection
Join us for Three evenings of short films that experiment, challenge, and step beyond the frame.
Come share stories, images, and conversations around independent cinema. — followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers.
🎞 Films in the program:
Dec 18 | 6:30 PM
⏱ Runtime: 1h30
🎤 Followed by Q&A
• The People of Tangier — Achraf El Afia (Morocco)
• Aajina — Sami Boufarsi, Soufiane Alaoui & Abdellah Essamlali (Morocco)
• Truth — Lakhdar Elhamdaoui (Morocco)
• Cell20 — Islam Zouanat (Morocco)
• El Hanta — Omar Killou (Morocco)
Dec 19 | 6:30 PM
⏱ Runtime: 1h45 | 🎤 Followed by Q&A
• The Flower and the Rock — Rida Chebbi (Morocco)
• Fading Candle — Ismail Ait Lahcen (Morocco)
• Where’s Cinema — Ayoub Aquinzou (Morocco)
• The Last Silence — Mahmoud Elasri (Morocco)
• SAC — Reda Boussknite (Morocco)
• In Their Eyes — Aya Alaoui (Morocco)
• In Between — Ilyas Boussatta (Morocco)
• Haloma — Alaa Eddine Kharraz (Morocco)
Dec 20 | 6:30 PM
⏱ Runtime: 3h00 | 🎤 Followed by Q&A
• Darhome — Salma El Belghiti (Morocco)
• Hungry Cat’s Testament — Mohamed Oulhaj, Salaheddine Belboudali, Ay Jabrane, Houssam Loukili (Morocco)
• 99 Seconds — Khaled Abdallah (Egypt)
• Ayna — Nezha Alaoui (Morocco)
• The Scarecrow — Anas Zemati (Morocco)
• The Chamber — Fidae Sbaai (Morocco)
📍 4e étage, Immeuble le Noyer C, Rue Ibn Sina, Marrakech
#OutOfTheFrame #OOTF #MarrakechShortFilmDays #MoroccanCinema #ShortFilms #FilmScreening #QandA #rooftopfilmsmarrakech #arabmedialab
@mmbensaid
@mjccgov
@sharjahiff
@sharjahart
@abudhabicf
@rooftopfilmsmarrakech
@arabmedialab
@outoftheframemarrakech
@@dubaiculture
TEAM AML @arabmedialab : ABDELAZIZ TALEB
Abdelaziz Taleb is a mixed media artist, filmmaker, producer, archival artist, and curator with more than 20 years of experience. After completing his fellowship at the Academy of Media Arts in Cologne KHM (1999–2001), he embarked on an international filmmaking career. In 2010, he founded the Arab Media Lab (AML), where he develops artists’ programs, innovative projects, discussions, workshops, and training initiatives.
In 2003, the World Wide Video Festival recognized Taleb as one of the emerging talents poised to influence the global landscape of video and media art. His films and videos—often described as extensions of his own body—explore poetic visions, inner identity, spiritual purification, and profound social realities. Many of his works have been selected for Academy-accredited film and video festivals, including the Berlinale, Venice International Film Festival, International Film Festival Rotterdam, Festival International du Cinéma Méditerranéen Montpellier, Freewaves Los Angeles, Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, CCCB Barcelona, World Museum Rotterdam, Van Abbemuseum Eindhoven, and Villa des Arts in Casablanca and Rabat, among others.
AML’s notable achievements under his direction is the Digital Marrakech International Festival, which—despite limited arts funding in Morocco—has successfully taken place eight consecutive times. The festival showcases independent and experimental film, creative documentary, video and digital art, video installations, and 3D mapping. Other projects followed, including Planet of the Arabs, Tangier Interzone Series, Media Art Morocco, Rooftop Films Marrakech, Marrakech Unfiltered, and many more.
Taleb continues to work as a mixed media artist while curating projects locally and internationally. He also serves as a mentor and jury member for various festivals and institutions, including Berlinale Talents, the Prince Claus Fund, the Cairo Video Art Festival, and others. Most recently, he contributed to the book Archaeology of New Media Arts in the Arab World, published by Diriyah Art Futures and the Museums Commission of Saudi Arabia.
TEAM AML @arabmedialab : ABDELLATIF BENFAIDOUL
Abdellatif Benfaidoul is a distinguished video artist, producer, and curator, renowned for his innovative contributions to media art and video installations.
His artistic philosophy centers on portraying everyday life, operating under the belief that "reality is much more real than reality itself." This perspective is vividly depicted in all his works. In 2002, alongside Abdelaziz Taleb, Benfaidoul co-founded VIDEOKARAVAAN, then Arab Media Lab in 2010, based in Marrakech. The organization is committed to strengthening the media art sector in Morocco and the Arab region by organizing projects that focus on media art and supporting young artists. The collective believes that mixed media, digital video, video installations, and interactive art contribute to artistic exchange and the social development of Arab society.
Benfaidoul`s video installations have been exhibited internationally, reflecting his global artistic impact. Notably, his work "Recruiting Identities" (2008) was featured in the exhibition series "İstanbul Eindhoven SALTVanAbbe Post `89," which included artists like Eija-Liisa Ahtila, Stanley Brouwn, Rineke Dijkstra, and Marlene Dumas.
His creations are part of esteemed collections in major art institutions and private collections, underscoring his significant influence in the contemporary art scene.
Abdellatif Benfaidoul`s dedication to portraying authentic narratives and his commitment to fostering media art in the Arab world have established him as a pivotal figure in contemporary art, inspiring a new generation of artists and audiences alike.
TEAM AML @arabmedialab : AYA LASKROUIF
Aya Laskrouif is a graphic designer whose work combines visual communication, contemporary design, and creative experimentation. After earning her diploma in 2024, she focused on developing a design-centered practice grounded in clarity and thoughtful aesthetics. Alongside her main discipline, Aya occasionally explores photography and editing as complementary tools in her creative process.
Aya’s professional and artistic growth was deeply shaped by her experience at Arab Media Lab, which had a big and meaningful impact on her development. There, she strengthened her design skills, learned to work effectively within teams, and built confidence in collaborative and social environments. This period also helped her open new doors to cultural and community-based projects.
In recent years, Aya has begun engaging in event and project creation within the cultural scene. She contributed to the development of Rooftop Films Marrakech, a new film festival that brings cinema to open and unconventional spaces. During the festival’s creation, Aya served as Head of Operations – Online, Social Media & Photo Editing, a role that allowed her to manage digital communication, oversee online presence, and support visual content production.
Aya continues to evolve as a designer by exploring visual communication in different contexts and seeking opportunities that connect design, culture, and public engagement
TEAM AML @arabmedialab : MOHAMED LACHHAB
Mohamed Lachhab, affectionately known as “El Hombre Invisible,” is the Co-Manager of the Arab Media Lab since 2015. The nickname, inspired partly by his fascination with William Burroughs, reflects both his literary sensibility and his quiet, behind-the-scenes working style. Though discreet by nature, his contribution to the Arab Media Lab has been essential to its development, partnerships, and long-term vision.
Lachhab studied Marketing and Communication at the PIMAS Institute in Agadir and later obtained a Master’s degree in French Literature, a combination that grounds his work in both strategic thinking and deep cultural awareness.
A passionate cinephile, he is particularly devoted to B-movies, independent cinema, and spaghetti westerns. He was among the first in the region to launch a YouTube channel—CINEMA AFLAM—dedicated to these genres, making rare and cult films accessible to Arabic-speaking audiences through careful translation and curation.
Within the Arab Media Lab, he has represented the organization in numerous international meetings and conferences and led the Lab’s partnership with AFAC during the NACP funding period, ensuring strong coordination and communication.
Despite his preference for working out of the spotlight, Mohamed Lachhab remains one of the key pillars of the Arab Media Lab: a steady, invisible force whose dedication, loyalty, and love for cinema continue to shape the project’s identity and impact.
