Maroof International Film Festival (2)

Festival start: 17 February 2026      Festival end: 19 February 2026

The International “Maroof” Festival organized by “Headquarters for Enjoining Good” aims to enhance social awareness, foster dialogue between artists and the community, and promote the culture of moral and social responsibility rooted in Islamic values. Following the success of its first edition, which introduced many outstanding artistic works, the second edition seeks to communicate its message in contemporary and impactful media forms.

This year’s festival places special emphasis on dynamic and shareable media formats such as short films, documentaries and animations—forms that combine visual appeal, strong narrative capacity, and accessibility through social media. Through these creative channels, Maroof Festival endeavors to present its message in innovative and influential formats, positioning itself as a pioneering cultural event promoting social ethics and responsibility.

In Islamic–Iranian culture, (amr-bil-Ma'roof and nahi anil munkar) (To guide toward goodness and away from iniquity") is not merely an individual duty—it is a collective social responsibility that requires public awareness and participation. Experience has shown that direct preaching of this principle, especially to younger generations, is often less effective. In today’s world, art and media serve as the most concise and powerful means of conveying cultural messages, inspiring creativity, and engaging society through compelling and relatable storytelling.

Themes:

1. Promoting social justice through moral responsibility.

2. The role of amr-bil-Ma'roof (ordering for acknowledged virtues) in saving resources and responsible consumption.

3. The place of this principle in building a modern Islamic civilization.

4. Promoting modesty, chastity, and moral lifestyles.

5. Gaza and the moral responsibility of Muslims.

6. The consequences of social indifference.

7. Social responsibility and civic ethics.

8. Responsible advocacy in improving administrative structures.


Special Screenings

This section presents selected works from filmmakers, countries, or curated collections (films, photographs, or multimedia projects) that align with the festival’s mission, promoting intercultural dialogue within the Islamic world and beyond.


Panels and Workshops

A series of discussions, lectures, roundtables, and training sessions featuring filmmakers, researchers, and media scholars will be held from the opening of the festival secretariat through the festival period, focusing on cinema, media, and the festival’s cultural goals.


Tributes and Honors

This section is dedicated to honoring distinguished veterans and commemorating late artists whose works have contributed significantly to the cultural and moral missions aligned with the festival’s values.

Additional Programs

• Photography Exhibitions

• Simultaneous events in provincial and cultural centers

• Opening and Closing Ceremonies

International Film Competition

• Festival Trophy and Certificate to the three best films in main sections (Directors)

• Jury’s Special Award for three outstanding international films in three sections (Directors)

• Special Gaza Award: Trophy and Certificate

Grand Prize of the Festival – “Maroof Award”
The Maroof Award (Festival Grand Prize) will be presented to one outstanding director. Nominees will be selected by the juries and the final winner will be announced by the Festival Secretary.

General Regulations

1. Open to all participants.

2. All officially selected works will receive a certificate of participation.

3. Awards will not be shared between two works.

4. Eligible works must be produced from 2021 (1400 AH) onward and must not have participated in previous editions.

5. The festival reserves the right to use short excerpts from submitted works for promotional purposes.

6. The festival is not responsible for any damage during submission.

7. Legal and promotional responsibility lies with the person who submits the entry form.

8. If a producer is involved, the director must provide written permission from the producer for festival submission.

9. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

10. Withdrawals will not be accepted after official selection.

11. Any issues not covered in these regulations will be decided by the Festival Director.\


Film Submission Guidelines

1. Three stills, two behind-the-scenes photos, and one director’s photo must be provided.

2. Film details (title, director, duration, and format) must be entered accurately in the submission form.

3. Submitted copies will remain with the festival archive.

4. Works must be relevant to the festival’s announced themes.

5. No limit on the number of entries per participant (previously submitted works not accepted).

6. Selected works must include a trailer, stills, and a poster.

7. Invitations for provincial or guest participants will depend on festival policies and resources.

8. Films must be produced after 2021 (1400 AH).

9. Unspecified matters are subject to the Festival Director’s decision.

10. Selected films may not be withdrawn.

11. Works with producers must include a written authorization for submission.

12. Accepted formats: MP4 (H.264) or MPEG-2

• Resolution: minimum 1920×1080, maximum 4K
• Bitrate: minimum 25 MB/s
• Frame rate: 24 or 25 fps