Marrakech – Morocco’s Law No. 18-23 on the film industry and reorganization of the Moroccan Cinematographic Center (CCM) has officially come into force.
The new law aims to strengthen Morocco’s attractiveness for both domestic and foreign investments in the film sector. It focuses on creating new employment opportunities while ensuring public service management principles are respected and promoting competitive rules within the film market.
The legislation, promulgated by Royal Decree (Dahir) No. 1-24-67 on December 20, 2024, and published in Official Bulletin No. 7365 ten days later, took effect on Monday.
Another key objective is enhancing the prominence of Moroccan cinema nationally and internationally. This approach seeks to establish an advanced and distinctive economic model specifically tailored to the film industry.
Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid announced a second round of consultations with professional film organizations and industry representatives. These consultations followed the completion of the collective contribution process to Law No. 18-23 and aimed to prepare the associated regulatory texts.
The consultation meetings took place from January 29 to February 4. They included six sessions with various sectors of the film industry: production, distribution, exhibition, festivals and film events, technical industries, and technicians.
Two additional meetings were held with trade representatives and animation filmmakers. During these gatherings, participants created proposals to adapt and enhance regulatory texts, aligning them with developments in the film sector both nationally and internationally.
New decrees support implementation
Following this process, Decree No. 2-25-365 of June 12 was adopted to implement certain provisions of Law No. 18-23. This decree was published in Official Bulletin No. 7415 on June 23.
Several additional decrees related to the film industry were published in Official Bulletin No. 7432 on August 21. These include Decree No. 2-25-482 establishing conditions for registration and removal of contracts from the national film registry.
Decree No. 2-25-483 sets out procedures for film production activities. Decree No. 2-25-484 addresses film distribution, exports and imports, commercial operating permits, cultural visas, and cinema operations.
Decree No. 2-25-485 covers studio labeling, professional cinema cards, and categories of professional activities linked to the film industry. Joint ministerial orders and ministerial decrees are expected to complete the implementation of certain provisions of these texts soon.
The new legislation replaces several previous legislative and regulatory texts governing the film sector. These include CCM reorganization, film industry regulations, video works, and public registry requirements.
Transition periods established
Filming authorizations issued before September 1 remain valid until their scheduled completion dates. Public support systems for film production, digitization, modernization and creation of movie theaters, and organization of film festivals also remain in effect.
Production companies, distribution companies, and cinema operators with authorizations under Law No. 20-99 must comply with the new law’s requirements within one year of its implementation. This gives them until August 31, 2026, to make necessary adjustments.
Individuals holding professional cards issued under the previous Law No. 20-99 have a longer transition period. They must comply with the new law’s provisions within five years of its implementation, giving them until August 31, 2030.
Industry cooperation at the center
Professional film organizations that contributed to developing the new legislation are being asked to actively participate in raising awareness. Their role involves educating film production companies, film distribution companies, cinema operators, festival organizers, technicians, and technical industry companies about the new legal framework.
This awareness effort aims to ensure compliance with the new legislative and regulatory provisions governing the sector. The ultimate goals are to achieve the law’s objectives, improve production quality, and strengthen Moroccan cinema’s international influence.
All stakeholders are reminded to comply with the new legislation within the specified timeframes. They are also encouraged to increase efforts in developing the national film industry, helping it to align with global trends.
The CCM reaffirms its role as a public institution serving the film industry, placing its administrative services and human resources at users’ disposal to ensure the delivery of public services, in strict compliance with current legal and regulatory provisions.
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