Casablanca – Morocco’s film industry recorded a landmark year in 2025, driven by a sharp rise in foreign productions, renewed cinema attendance, and expanded cultural infrastructure. According to official data presented by the Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, foreign film shoots generated approximately $150 million in economic impact during the year, marking a historic high and confirming Morocco’s position as a leading filming destination in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

This performance represents a significant increase compared to the period before 2021, when foreign film-related revenues were estimated at less than $52 million annually. The nearly threefold rise reflects the results of a national cinema development strategy launched in 2021, aimed at strengthening Morocco’s appeal to international producers, modernizing infrastructure, and improving regulatory and operational frameworks.

International productions have increasingly chosen Morocco for its diverse landscapes, technical capabilities, and established production ecosystem. Major locations such as Aït Benhaddou, Marrakech, Essaouira, Tangier, Casablanca, and Dakhla have featured prominently in high-profile projects. Hollywood productions, European co-productions, and international television series have all contributed to the surge in filming activity, positioning Morocco as a competitive alternative to traditional global filming hubs.

The impact of this international momentum has extended beyond production spending alone. Cinema attendance in Morocco reached approximately 2.2million admissions in 2025, signaling a gradual recovery of the theatrical exhibition sector. This revival has encouraged renewed private investment in cinema infrastructure, with several modern theater complexes opening across the country. Among the most notable developments was the inauguration of a new multiplex in Rabat, reflecting investor confidence in the sector’s long-term potential.

Public authorities, through the Moroccan Cinema Center (CCM), have continued to support this expansion by financing the modernization of existing theaters and encouraging the creation of new ones. While public support remains a key driver, officials have acknowledged the need to evolve toward a more sustainable economic model for cinema exhibition, one that balances state backing with private sector viability.

In parallel with growth in production and exhibition, Morocco’s cultural sector has strengthened its international presence through major festivals and professional platforms. The Marrakech International Film Festival, now considered one of the most influential cinematic events in the MENA region, has expanded in scale and visibility. Its latest edition attracted tens of thousands of spectators and featured dozens of films from across the globe, reinforcing Morocco’s position as a cultural crossroads between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

At the national level, authorities have emphasized that the success of foreign productions should translate into stronger global positioning for Moroccan cinema itself. While domestic films continue to receive institutional support, officials have identified international market access as a strategic priority. Efforts are now focused on improving the export potential of Moroccan films by strengthening international co-productions, expanding professional networks, and enhancing the global distribution of national content.

Beyond cinema, Morocco’s broader cultural and creative industries have also experienced notable growth. Archaeological research, considered a pillar of national heritage preservation, has seen a significant increase in funded and internationally recognized projects. The number of supported research initiatives has risen sharply since 2021, reflecting expanded institutional capacity and scientific investment. These efforts have been supported by the development of advanced laboratories and specialized research teams within national heritage institutions.

Cultural festivals, meanwhile, have been positioned as engines of local economic development. Studies cited by authorities indicate that cultural events generate substantial economic returns for host cities, supporting tourism, hospitality, and small businesses. As a result, festival programming has been expanded nationwide, often in partnership with regional and municipal authorities, as part of a broader strategy to decentralize cultural activity and promote territorial development.

Youth policy has also remained a central focus of government action. A nationwide network of youth centers, cultural institutions, and socio-sports facilities has been expanded and rehabilitated. Hundreds of facilities have been renovated, newly constructed, or digitally equipped, including through improved internet connectivity. These investments aim to enhance access to cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

In the area of digital transformation, authorities have launched initiatives designed to improve coordination and visibility across youth and cultural programs. These platforms seek to consolidate information on national activities, streamline access to services, and strengthen engagement between institutions and young people.

Taken together, the data from 2025 highlight a structural shift in Morocco’s cultural and creative industries, with cinema at the forefront of this transformation. The rise in foreign film investment to $150 million, coupled with renewed audience engagement and expanded cultural infrastructure, signals a growing integration of Morocco into the global audiovisual economy.

While challenges remain—particularly in achieving long-term sustainability for cinema exhibition and securing international market access for Moroccan productions—the overall trajectory points toward a more resilient and internationally connected cultural sector. As authorities continue to refine policy frameworks and strengthen institutional support, Morocco appears well-positioned to consolidate its role as a regional and global hub for film production and cultural exchange.