The curtain was raised on Monday in Nador for the 5th International Festival of Cinema and Common Memory, organised by the Common Memory Centre for Democracy and Peace (CMCDP). The opening ceremony of this event, which continues until 7 May, was marked by a vibrant tribute paid to couples of Moroccan cinema, Rachida Machnoue-Mustapha Zaari and Touria Alaoui-Naoufel Berraoui.

Speaking on this occasion, the festival director, Abdesslam Boutayeb, noted that this event aims to highlight the culture of beauty and love and to promote the culture of human rights, citizenship, tolerance, respect, and listening to others. During this edition, nine feature films and nine documentaries are competing for the various Festival prizes, while three other films will be screened out of competition.

Lebanese musician Marcel Khalifa will chair the jury for the official documentary film competition. Syrian actor Jamal Suliman will chair the jury for feature films, while the scientific committee will be led by the writer and former Moroccan ambassador to Colombia, Mohamed Khattabi. The festival programme includes a round table on "The Identity of the Mediterranean" and a masterclass on "How can cinema contribute to the construction of social peace?". With Spain as the guest of honour, this edition will feature several workshops on screenwriting and directing techniques, a painting exhibition, and a poetry evening.