With its selection as the 2026 EFM Country in Focus, Morocco joins a distinguished list of nations celebrated for their contributions to world cinema.
By Joseph Jonathan
Morocco has been announced as the “Country in Focus” at the 2026 European Film Market (EFM), part of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) set to run from February 12th to 18th, 2026.
Recognised for its rich cinematic heritage and its growing influence as a bridge between Africa, the Arab world, and Europe, Morocco’s selection underscores the country’s long-standing relationship with the Berlinale and its expanding global creative footprint. Over the decades, Moroccan filmmakers and stories have been consistently represented in the festival and market programmes, reflecting the nation’s dynamic film culture and international partnerships.
Since its inception in 2017, the European Film Market’s Country in Focus initiative has spotlighted film regions from across the world, including Mexico, Canada, Norway, Chile, the Baltic States, Italy, and Spain. The 2026 edition will highlight Morocco’s vibrant film industry through curated showcases, panels, and networking events designed to encourage new pathways for collaboration between Moroccan producers and their international counterparts across feature, documentary, series, and animation sectors.
Festival Director, Tricia Tuttle, noted that Moroccan cinema continues to resonate far beyond its borders, praising filmmakers such as Nabil Ayouch, Faouzi Bensaïdi, Asmae El Moudir, Halima Ouardiri, and Maryam Touzani for their bold storytelling and unique perspectives. From Casablanca Beats (2021) to Everybody Loves Touda (2024), which featured in Afrocritik’s 25 Remarkable African Films of 2024, Moroccan cinema has earned international acclaim for blending deep cultural roots with contemporary social insight.
In recent years, Morocco has also emerged as a sought-after destination for international productions, thanks to its diverse landscapes—spanning the Atlas Mountains, Sahara Desert, and historic cities like Marrakech, Ouarzazate, and Casablanca—as well as its modern infrastructure and skilled creative workforce. The country’s 30 percent cash rebate incentive for foreign productions and a network of official co-production treaties have further bolstered its appeal.
Programmes such as Ateliers de l’Atlas, launched by the Marrakech International Film Festival, have also been instrumental in nurturing new Moroccan and regional voices, helping bridge local talent with global audiences.
According to Berlinale Pro Director, Tanja Meissner, Morocco’s growing visibility on the international stage is a result of its “strong national cinema, openness to collaboration, and distinctive production value”. Mohammad-Reda Benjelloun, Director of the Centre Cinématographique Marocain (CCM), described the recognition as a reflection of Morocco’s deep storytelling traditions and its evolution into a modern cinematic hub.
With its selection as the 2026 European Film Market Country in Focus, Morocco joins a distinguished list of nations celebrated for their contributions to world cinema, reaffirming its role as one of Africa’s most dynamic and internationally engaged film industries.