Agadir 24 | Agadir24/UAE
During a legislative session today, Monday, November 4, 2024, the House of Representatives approved, by a majority, Draft Law No. 18.23 relating to the film industry and the reorganization of the Moroccan Film Centre.
The Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, explained in an introductory speech to the draft law, which received the support of 67 parliamentarians while 27 parliamentarians abstained from voting, that this legislative text aims to qualify the cinematic sector to be a lever for economic, social and cultural development, and to push it towards professionalism to keep pace with developments and competitiveness. At the international level.
He added that the draft law also aims to grant the Moroccan Film Center new specializations that will enable it to advance the film industry, promote Morocco as a destination for filming films, develop the film sector, and rationalize its management.
According to the minister, the draft law includes a set of developments related mainly to establishing legal rules related to licensing the practice of cinematic production, as well as establishing a new international accreditation system that authorizes the implementation of production, for the account of private or legal persons not subject to Moroccan law.
It also determines the rules governing the commercial and cultural exploitation of cinematographic films, in addition to adopting a licensing system for the distribution of cinematographic films, as well as subjecting the filming of cinematographic films and audiovisual works to a license issued by the Moroccan Film Centre, while specifying the locations of filming cinematographic films and audiovisual works is in turn subject to a photography licence.
According to the Minister, the text of the law obligates universities, institutions and training institutes in the field of cinema and audiovisual professions to make prior declarations with the Moroccan Film Center in the context of the activities of students who are pursuing their studies there, in addition to the possibility of requesting a license to exploit the cinema hall by a company or association.
It also stipulates that the Moroccan Film Center must be authorized in advance to organize the first session of film festivals and events, and to include new obligations related to the programming of Moroccan films in cinema halls according to the number of screens they have, to encourage national film production, and to subject the practice of any professional activity related to the film industry to a law. Prior authorization.
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**Interview with Minister Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid on Morocco’s New Film Law**
**Host:** Welcome, Minister Bensaid. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent approval of Draft Law No. 18.23 concerning the Moroccan film industry.
**Minister Bensaid:** Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** The House of Representatives approved this film law with considerable support. Can you share the main objectives of this legislation?
**Minister Bensaid:** Certainly. The primary goal of this law is to position the cinematic sector as an essential lever for economic, social, and cultural development in Morocco. We aim to foster professionalism in the industry to ensure we can compete effectively on an international stage.
**Host:** That’s an ambitious goal. You mentioned professionalism—what specific measures will the Moroccan Film Centre implement to achieve this?
**Minister Bensaid:** The new law will grant the Moroccan Film Centre various specializations that are crucial for advancing the film industry. This includes enhancing our capability to promote Morocco as a filming destination, which we know has great potential, and rationalizing the management of the film sector.
**Host:** Financial support is vital for filmmakers. In the past, the CCM could allocate up to 10 million dirhams per film, but typically provided less. How will this change under the new law?
**Minister Bensaid:** With the new provisions under Draft Law No. 18.23, we are looking at a more structured and efficient allocation of funds. While the specifics of funding will be worked out in the coming months, our intent is to ensure that financial support is more accessible and reflective of the actual needs of filmmakers.
**Host:** There’s been a growing sentiment about promoting Moroccan culture and stories through cinema. How does this law contribute to that cultural representation?
**Minister Bensaid:** This legislation is foundational for cultivating Moroccan narratives and talent within our industries. By expanding the CCR’s capabilities and facilitating better funding and resources, we empower local filmmakers and storytellers to share their unique perspectives both domestically and internationally.
**Host:** It sounds like a significant step forward for Moroccan cinema. What’s next on the agenda for you and your team in implementing these changes?
**Minister Bensaid:** Our immediate next steps are to work closely with stakeholders in the film industry to ensure smooth implementation of the new regulations. We are committed to fostering a collaborative environment that brings together various talents and encourages innovation in our cinematic endeavors.
**Host:** Thank you, Minister Bensaid, for sharing these insights. It’s clear that the future of Moroccan cinema is bright.
**Minister Bensaid:** Thank you. I look forward to seeing the flourishing of the Moroccan film industry in the years to come.