The European Film Market (EFM) has chosen Morocco as the country of honour for its next gathering.
Organised as part of the Berlin Film Festival, the EFM is one of the major events in the international film industry calendar. Since 2017 it has presented its “Country in Focus” programme, offering a glimpse into film-making around the world.
According to the Berlinale’s director, Tricia Tuttle, “Moroccan cinema has a rich narrative history which resonates far beyond its borders. […] From auteurs such as Nabil Ayouch, Faouzi Bensaïdi, Asmae El Moudir, Halima Ouardiri and Maryam Touzani to a new wave of emerging film-makers, Moroccan voices bring original perspectives to the Berlinale and other festivals worldwide. Their work draws on deep cultural roots while addressing contemporary issues with originality and power, and we are delighted to celebrate this creative energy at the European Film Market.”
As the website Le Desk, points out, Morocco has become a major hub for film production. “With its natural landscapes, skilled professionals, and vibrant energy,” the Moroccan Cinema Centre’s director, Mohammad-Reda Benjelloun, explains, “the Kingdom of Morocco occupies a prominent place on the world cinema map. Being the featured country at the Berlinale demonstrates how culture and coexistence nurture an art form which has become universal.”
Sources: Le Desk, Ecran Total
