Storytellers in Residence: International Residency

Zouhair Khaznaoui is an accomplished Storytelling artist whose unwavering passion for the rich and diverse cultural traditions of Morocco has been the driving force behind his illustrious career. With a deep appreciation for the art of oral storytelling, Zouhair has been trained and initiated by renowned Maalems (masters) of storytelling in Morocco such as Haj Ahmed Ezzarghani, Abderrahim AL-Azzalia, and Mohamed Bariz.Drawing from his extensive training and exposure to a wide range of artists and scholars from around the world, including Moulay Jaafar El Kansoussi, John Row, Baba-C, Sef Townsend, and Raymond de la Fontaine, Zouhair has developed a unique and authentic style that reflects his profound understanding of the universal appeal of storytelling.In addition to his artistic pursuits, 

Zouhair’s academic background in English Literature and Cultural Studies, Graduating from The Technical University of Dresden, Germany, has provided him with a solid foundation for his interest in storytelling. As an international student, he was able to travel and study abroad, gaining exposure to a diverse range of artistic perspectives and experiences. In 2022 Zouhair Khaznaoui Co-founded and Directed the Marrakech InternationalStorytelling Festival and presided over the Storytellers Union for Cultural Innovation and Art of Storytelling.

In mid 2023 Zouhair Khaznaoui established the very first storytelling school in the Arab world and Africa under the name International Storytelling School of Marrakech: The latter is a gateway for young and passionate individuals to become professional storytellers.Currently Zouhair Khaznaoui runs a year-long storytelling Odyssey: Tales Across Borders. The project is a celebration of the storytelling art in Marrakech as a capital city of culture for the Muslim world.