Halloween weekend is here, and Rabat has something a little different planned.
Forget the usual horror movie marathon. This time, the capital is welcoming a film festival inspired by one of Morocco’s most recognizable folkloric figures.
The Boujloud Film Fest is launching its Prologue 2026 today, October 30, bringing three days of horror, fantasy films and conversations about the strange and supernatural to Rabat.
And yes, the name is inspired by Boujloud.
Wait, why Boujloud?
If you’ve grown up in Morocco, you might already know Boujloud, also called Bilmawen in some regions.
The traditional character, often associated with animal skins, masks and celebrations around Eid al-Adha, has long been part of Moroccan popular culture.
Now, that cultural figure is lending its name to a festival exploring monsters, mythology and the stories that scare us.
It’s an interesting way of connecting Moroccan traditions with international fantasy cinema.
Three days of movies and monsters.
Running from October 30 to November 1, the festival will take place across ISMAC, Cinéma 7ème Art and the Tatmin cultural space.
The programme includes international films, short films, documentaries and discussions with filmmakers and researchers.
Among the screenings are Reflet dans un diamant mort, Black Zombie, Mārama and Sicko.
Tonight’s opening screening of Reflet dans un diamant mort is scheduled for 7 PM at ISMAC.
And here’s the best part: admission is free, subject to available seating.
A new space for moroccan fantasy cinema?
This year’s event is being presented as a prologue, laying the groundwork for a larger festival planned for 2027.
The ambition is to give horror and fantasy cinema more visibility in Morocco, especially films audiences don’t usually see in commercial cinemas.
Because Moroccan culture has plenty of myths, supernatural stories and unsettling traditions of its own.
Maybe it’s time we started seeing more of them on screen.
