Morocco has been selected as “Country in Focus” at the 2026 European Film Market (EFM),a key industry event that takes place during the Berlinale film festival.
With its rich cinematic heritage,internationally acclaimed filmmakers,Morocco has established itself as a dynamic bridge between Africa,the Arab world and Europe,says a EFM in a press release.
Since 2017,the EFM’s “Country in Focus” initiative has highlighted major film regions around the globe,offering diverse insights into their creative industries and providing opportunities to foster international collaboration.
“Moroccan cinema storytelling resonates far beyond its borders,” says Festival Director Tricia Tuttle,citing in this regard of the works of Nabil Ayouch,Faouzi Bensaïdi,Asmae El Moudir,Halima Ouardiri or Maryam Touzani
Their moves draw on deep cultural roots while speaking to contemporary issues with originality and power and we are thrilled to celebrate this creative energy at the European Film Market,adds Tricia Tuttle.
Morocco has also become an increasingly attractive hub for international productions. Its diverse landscapes,from the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert and historic cities such as Marrakesh,Ouarzazate and Casablanca,have long drawn famous filmmakers.
At the same time,Morocco’s film sector is supported by a range of structural measures,including a 30 percent cash rebate for foreign productions,official co-production agreements with numerous partner countries,and initiatives such as the “Ateliers de l’Atlas”,which foster emerging Moroccan and regional filmmakers.
“The Moroccan film and media landscape has reached a new level of international visibility,” says Berlinale Pro Director Tanja Meissner. “It combines a strong national cinema with an openness to international collaboration,offering high production value,skilled professionals and distinctive locations. These factors,along with targeted support mechanisms,make Morocco one of the most compelling focus countries in recent years.”
Mohammad-Reda Benjelloun,Director of the Centre Cinématographique Marocain (CCM) says: “Morocco is a land of history and storytellers. With its natural landscapes,skilled professionals and vibrant energy,it holds a prominent place on the world cinema map”.
“Selected as the country in focus in Berlin is a testament to how culture and coexistence nurture an art form and a language that have become truly universal: cinema”,he says.
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