Cotonou – Moroccan cinema crowned its participation in the sixth edition of the Cotonou Film and Digital Meetings (RECICO) with two awards in the feature-length fiction competition. “Goundafa,” directed by Ali Benjelloun, won the Golden Kama, while “Carved by the Wind,” by Layla Triqui, received the Bronze Kama at the closing ceremony.
The Silver Kama was awarded to the Chadian film “Warassa – Les Héritiers,” directed by Aaron Padacké. Morocco thus secured two of the competition’s three awards.
In a statement following the announcement of the results, Iz-eddine Gourirran, president of the feature-length fiction jury, praised the sincerity of “Goundafa” and its grounding in human and social realities. He also highlighted the distinctive cinematic language of “Carved by the Wind,” its sensitive treatment of its subject and its poetic dimension.
The Best Screenplay Award went to the Malian film “Le Rêve de Dieu,” by Fousseyni Maïga, for a screenplay that uses a family inheritance dispute to explore justice, greed, power and spiritual values, while highlighting the importance of tolerance and dialogue.
In the short fiction competition, the award-winning films included “Fayek Nabhan” from Egypt, “Batail familial” from Niger and “Cœur de mère” from Gabon.
In the documentary competition, first prize went to “Héritage en partage,” by Kesler Bien Aimé from Haiti. Second prize was awarded to “Ce que la ville ne voit pas,” by Celia Kali, representing Congo, France and Benin, while third prize went to “Mémoire en ruine,” by Noussougnon Matthias from Togo.
Morocco’s presence also extended to the training programme, with Moncef Adyel, Abderrahim El Maniari and Bilal Taouil contributing to sessions held from 6 to 8 October for young cinema enthusiasts. Moncef Adyel led a workshop on film music, while Abderrahim El Maniari and Bilal Taouil shared their professional experience and expertise with participants.
These sessions provided a space for direct exchanges between Moroccan professionals and young participants, connecting artistic knowledge with practical experience and offering a clearer understanding of the demands of filmmaking, which relies on creativity, discipline and collaboration across the various film professions.
Morocco’s participation in these meetings reflects the Kingdom’s African roots and the South–South cooperation policy championed by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him. By combining film screenings, the exchange of experience and training, it gives concrete expression to this commitment, strengthening cultural and human ties and opening up opportunities for cooperation between Moroccan filmmakers and their African counterparts.
Held from 3 to 10 October 2026 at the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou, the economic capital of the Republic of Benin, this edition focused on cinema and migration. It was marked by the presence of His Majesty the King’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Mr Rachid Rguibi, and the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco, alongside the participation of Moroccan film professionals and artists and representation from the Moroccan Cinema Centre (CCM).
