The Rise of Moroccan Cinema
Moroccan cinema is experiencing a remarkable surge, bolstered by a steadily growing national production, an increasingly prominent presence at international events, and an expanding network of festivals across the Kingdom. This evolution solidifies Morocco's status as a major cinematic hub in Africa and the Arab world. This vibrant environment is further enhanced by a strong public commitment to film events, which are viewed as a vital lever for promoting creativity, cultural diversity, and the attractiveness of various regions.
Support for Film Festivals
In this context, the Commission for Supporting the Organization of Film Festivals convened for its July 2026 session and decided to allocate a total budget of 26.46 million dirhams to benefit 40 selected festivals and film events from a pool of 55 applications reviewed. The commission's meetings took place on July 21 and 23, 2026, at the Moroccan Cinematic Center (CCM), presided over by Khadija Alami Laaroussi, with members such as Sabah El Faiçali, Malika Maalainine, Asmaa Grimiche, Imane Mesbahi, Ahmed Affach, Bouazza El Bouchtaoui, and Mohamed Lamouissi in attendance.
During this session, festival organizers presented and defended their projects to the commission, which made decisions based on the criteria set forth in the regulations governing public support for cinematic events. The Marrakech International Film Festival (FIFM) emerged as the primary beneficiary, receiving a grant of 12 million dirhams, which represents nearly 45% of the total budget. Following closely is the National Film Festival of Tangier, which received 7.5 million dirhams, accounting for approximately 28% of the overall funding. Collectively, these two key festivals attracted more than 73% of the financial resources allocated during this session.
The Mediterranean Film Festival of Tetouan benefits from a subsidy of 1.2 million dirhams, while the International Women’s Film Festival of Salé secures 1 million dirhams. The International Author Cinema Festival of Rabat also receives 800,000 dirhams. The list of beneficiaries further includes several regional and thematic festivals, such as the International Maghreb Film Festival of Oujda (480,000 DH), the International Trans-Saharan Film Festival of Zagora (300,000 DH), and others that play pivotal roles in their respective communities.
Among those receiving intermediate support are Cinéplage Harhoura (170,000 DH) and the Marrakech Short Film Festival (150,000 DH). Additional grants ranging from 140,000 to 30,000 dirhams are allocated to events hosted in various cities across the Kingdom, including Settat, Mirleft, Rabat, Sidi Kacem, Tangier, Saïdia, Fez, Imouzzer Kandar, Guelmim, Casablanca, Khouribga, Ouarzazate, Taza, Tiznit, Oujda, Aït Baha, Benguerir, El Jadida, Azrou, Ifrane, and Tamesna.
The outcomes of this session reflect the public authorities' commitment to maintaining a balance between supporting major international events and nurturing regional festivals, which are essential for democratizing cinematic culture, invigorating local communities, and fostering new talent. This support program aligns with decree n°2.12.325 concerning assistance for film production and festival organization, alongside regulatory texts outlining attribution criteria, with the ambition of sustainably enhancing the vitality of the Moroccan cinematic landscape.
As reported by lareleve.ma.
