Asia News Iran, Art Service:
Mansour Jahani - Morocco has been chosen as the “Country in Focus” at the upcoming edition of the European Film Market (EFM). According to the report of market organizers, with its rich cinematic heritage, internationally acclaimed filmmakers pushing boundaries and an ongoing thriving creative community, Morocco has established itself as a dynamic bridge between Africa, the Arab world and Europe. The country’s presence at the Berlinale and the EFM stretches back decades and underscores its strong ties to the international film industry, with Moroccan stories and talent regularly featured in the festival and market programme.
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. Following previous showcases of Mexico, Canada, Norway, Chile, the Baltic States, Italy and Spain, the 2026 edition will now shine a spotlight on Morocco’s vibrant film landscape. The programme aims to open up numerous opportunities for dialogue and cooperation with producers, distributors, investors and film professionals across the entire spectrum of genres ‒ from arthouse drama and documentary to series and animation.
“Moroccan cinema has a proud history of storytelling that resonates far beyond its borders,” says Festival Director Tricia Tuttle. “From auteurs such as Nabil Ayouch, Faouzi Bensaïdi, Asmae El Moudir, Halima Ouardiri or Maryam Touzani to a new wave of emerging filmmakers, Moroccan voices bring distinctive perspectives to the Berlinale and to festivals worldwide. Their work draws 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.”
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 Marrakech, Ouarzazate and Casablanca, have long drawn global 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,” notes 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) adds: “A land of history and storytellers. With its natural landscapes, skilled professionals and vibrant energy, the Kingdom of Morocco holds a prominent place on the world cinema map. Being 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.” The European Film Market will take place from February 12-18, 2026, as part of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival.