Morocco's film sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation, evolving into a thriving international center for both major global productions and indigenous cinematic endeavors. This surge is fueled by strategic initiatives such as tax credits and platforms like the Atlas Workshops, which are instrumental in propelling Moroccan filmmakers and their narratives onto the international stage, marking a pivotal period for the nation's storytelling capabilities.
For years, Morocco has been valued for its stable environment, advanced infrastructure, and stunning natural backdrops, making it an attractive location for foreign film shoots. A significant turning point arrived in 2018 with the introduction of a tax credit, now capped at 30%, which further incentivized international productions. In the same year, the Marrakech Film Festival launched its Atlas Workshops, an innovative platform designed to bridge emerging regional filmmakers with global sales agents and co-production partners. This dual approach has seen an influx of major Hollywood projects, exemplified by films like Oliver Laxe’s “Sirāt” and Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” which have utilized Morocco’s diverse landscapes. In 2025 alone, the Moroccan Cinematographic Center (CCM) facilitated 23 international features through its incentive program, generating over $165 million in local investments.
Alongside the rise in international productions, Morocco's domestic film industry has flourished. The annual output dramatically increased to 54 films last year, a stark contrast to the mere four features produced at the turn of the millennium. This growth is a testament to the nation's concerted efforts to nurture its local talent and stories. Mohammed Reda Benjelloun, director of the CCM, emphasizes the need for Moroccan cinema to achieve greater international presence, stating that the challenge now is to have five to ten films annually gain global recognition, rather than just a select few. He highlights the importance of equipping filmmakers with strong narratives and solid dossiers to attract European producers and international funding bodies, underscoring the critical role of market exposure for local talent.
In line with these ambitions, the CCM is actively promoting Moroccan cinema globally. This year, it will dispatch a delegation of ten producers to the Berlin market, meticulously selected for their gender parity and international potential from over 75 applicants. The European Film Market (EFM) will also feature a special promotional screening of Laila Marrakchi’s “Strawberries,” a film that recently garnered a top post-production award at the Atlas Workshops and is anticipated to be one of the most prominent Moroccan features of the year. Concurrently, significant domestic efforts are underway, including the expansion of film schools and professional training programs, and renewed initiatives to engage the Moroccan diaspora. Benjelloun articulates this strategy as an endeavor to “internationalize the production process, but not the stories,” aiming to preserve the unique cultural essence of Moroccan narratives while broadening their reach.
Producer Khadija Alami, known for running the production services company K-Films and serving as a conduit to Hollywood, exemplifies this forward-thinking approach. Her police procedural series, “K-1,” selected for the Berlinale Series Market, was conceived to meet international production standards, pioneering the showrunner model in Morocco. By enlisting acclaimed feature directors like Yasmine Benkiran, Nour-Eddine Lakhmari, and Hicham Ayouch for episodic duties, Alami infused each episode with significant cinematic depth. She asserts that “K-1” showcases the inherent skills, talent, and vision within Morocco, proving that local creators can produce content on par with their British, French, or American counterparts.
Producer Lamia Chraibi echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that Moroccan filmmakers cannot afford to create insular projects. She believes it is crucial for them to tell their own stories to counter persistent Orientalist narratives and engage global audiences effectively. Chraibi and Alami are among the producers who will be part of the Moroccan Producers Spotlight in Berlin, highlighting their role in repositioning Morocco’s film industry as a creative partner rather than just a service provider. Chraibi stresses the distinction between a financial manager and a creative producer who actively shapes the narrative and distribution strategy, a role that is increasingly vital in Morocco’s budget-constrained environment. Through her Casablanca-based company, LaProd, and her co-founding of the Tamayouz Foundation, Chraibi supports emerging female filmmakers with training, financial aid, and mentorship. The foundation has seen about 100 filmmakers benefit from its residencies and workshops over the past five years, with alumni like Oumayma Zekri Ajarrai making significant strides, including winning awards at Cannes Critics’ Week and developing new projects like “Road to Limbo.”
Alaa Eddine Aljem, another producer chosen for the Berlin delegation, represents the new generation of Moroccan filmmakers. A graduate and now director of Marrakech’s ESAV film school, co-founded by Martin Scorsese, Aljem oversees programs that train approximately 40 new students annually in various cinematic disciplines. The expansion of Morocco’s film sector has attracted both local and international students to ESAV. Aljem also continues his work as a producer and director, integrating ESAV alumni into key technical roles in projects such as Hind Bensari’s award-winning documentary “Out of School” and his upcoming feature “El Dorado.” He aims to expand ESAV’s facilities to include graphic design, VFX, and animation, aligning with the CCM’s vision of transforming Morocco into a comprehensive production and post-production hub. Aljem believes this period is transformative for Moroccan cinema, as the industry gains structure and expands its capabilities.
Morocco's film industry is undergoing a period of profound expansion and international recognition. Through strategic government support, innovative training programs, and the dedication of talented individuals, the nation is successfully cultivating a vibrant cinematic landscape that both attracts global projects and empowers local storytellers to share their unique narratives with the world, challenging stereotypes and enriching global cinema.