Moroccan films and filmmakers have long featured prominently in both the festival and market programmes, contributing voices and perspectives to international cinema.
Morocco has been selected as the “Country in Focus” for the upcoming edition of the European Film Market (EFM), taking place from February 12 to 18, 2026, as part of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival. The recognition highlights Morocco’s cinematic identity, internationally acclaimed filmmakers and its role as a cultural bridge between Africa, the Arab world and Europe.
With a cinematic tradition spanning decades, Morocco’s participation in the Berlinale and the EFM underscores its deep ties to the global film community. Moroccan films and filmmakers have long featured prominently in both the festival and market programmes, contributing voices and perspectives to international cinema.
Since its inception in 2017, the EFM’s “Country in Focus” initiative has spotlighted leading film regions worldwide, including Mexico, Canada, Norway, Chile, the Baltic States, Italy and Spain. The 2026 edition will now showcase Morocco’s dynamic film ecosystem, fostering opportunities for dialogue and collaboration between Moroccan producers, distributors, investors and international industry professionals across a wide spectrum of genres — from arthouse films and documentaries to animation and television series.
Festival Director Tricia Tuttle said: “Moroccan cinema has a proud history of storytelling that resonates far beyond its borders. 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% 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,” noted 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) added: “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.
