The House of Representatives approves the bill relating to the film industry and reorganization of the CCM

by times news cr

Presenting ​this​ bill, ⁢adopted by 67 votes in favor and 27 abstentions, the Minister‍ of Youth,⁢ Culture and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, specified that this legislative text aims to rehabilitate the cinematographic sector as a lever of economic, social and cultural development, while professionalizing it in order ⁣to be in line ⁤with developments ‌and competitiveness at the international level.

The bill, he ⁣continued, aims ​to provide the CCM with new prerogatives ⁢in order to support the ⁣film industry and promote Morocco⁢ as⁤ a destination for filming films, develop the sector⁣ and rationalize its management.

According to the​ minister, the‌ bill brings a set of new features relating mainly to the ⁣development of legal rules relating to the authorization to exercise the activity of film‍ production, in addition to establishing ⁤a new international approval⁤ system allowing executive production on behalf of natural‌ or legal persons not ‌subject to Moroccan law.

This text also defines the rules governing the commercial⁤ and cultural exploitation of cinematographic ‌films and ⁣provides for the adoption of an authorization system for the ⁣distribution of cinematographic films, ⁢in addition to⁣ the obligation⁤ to have an authorization issued by the ⁢CCM for the filming of films‌ and the ⁢definition of filming locations for cinematographic films and audiovisual works within the framework of filming authorization.

According⁤ to the minister, the bill requires universities, establishments and training institutes in the field of cinema and ​audiovisual professions to make prior declarations to the CCM in⁣ the context of the​ activities of ⁤their students, while⁣ providing the ​possibility of requesting authorization to operate the cinema by⁢ a company or association.

The text also provides for ​the obligation⁤ of a prior declaration to the CCM, to organize the first edition of film festivals ⁣and events as well as⁤ new‌ commitments linked to the‌ programming⁣ of Moroccan films ⁤in cinemas depending on ​the number of screens available to them,⁣ to encourage national film production, while subjecting the exercise of any professional activity ​linked to the film industry to prior authorization.

Interview: ⁢Transforming Morocco’s Cinematic Landscape

Time.news Editor (TNE): Good day, ‍and welcome to our exclusive interview. Today, we​ have a very special⁤ guest, and ​expert⁣ in film policy, Dr. Zara El Khadir. Dr. El Khadir, thank you for joining us.

Dr. Zara‌ El ⁢Khadir (ZEK): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss this⁣ pivotal moment for ‍Morocco’s film industry.

TNE: Recently, ‍the Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture, ⁣and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, presented a significant bill aimed ‍at revitalizing the‍ cinematographic sector. Can you tell us why this legislative move is so crucial for Morocco?

ZEK: Absolutely. This bill is ​crucial⁤ because it recognizes the film industry as not just an‍ art form but a vital economic engine. By rehabilitating this sector, Morocco can⁣ leverage its rich ‍cultural landscape and historical narratives to enhance economic ⁤growth, create jobs, and ‌promote cultural exchange.

TNE: Bensaid⁢ mentioned that the bill received ⁣a‌ favorable vote of 67 with 27 abstentions. What does this suggest about⁢ the political will behind this initiative?

ZEK: A strong majority ⁤indicates that there is substantial ⁣political support for‍ this initiative. While some abstentions ⁢might reflect concerns or need⁢ for more details, the overall backing suggests that policymakers understand the potential of ⁣a thriving film sector to contribute to Morocco’s economic and cultural framework.

TNE: The⁣ bill aims to professionalize‌ the film industry and align it with international competitiveness. What​ specific measures⁣ or prerogatives does this entail?

ZEK: The bill likely‍ includes provisions to enhance funding mechanisms, establish training programs ⁣for filmmakers, and perhaps create partnerships with international studios. Strengthening the Moroccan⁣ Cinematographic Center (CCM) will be key, as it’s crucial for both supporting local filmmakers and attracting foreign productions ​that wish ​to utilize Morocco’s unique landscapes.

TNE: How important is it for ‌Morocco to position itself as a destination​ for ⁢film‍ production?

ZEK: ​ It’s incredibly important. The‌ global film industry thrives on fresh locations for storytelling. Morocco boasts diverse landscapes—from the ​Sahara Desert to ⁣sprawling cities—making it an attractive destination for filmmakers. Additionally, fostering ⁢this ​environment⁤ can lead to ⁣cultural tourism, where audiences are drawn to ‍the locations they’ve seen on screen.

TNE: ​The minister emphasized not just⁣ economic growth but⁤ also social ⁣and cultural development. Can you elaborate on how the film industry⁣ impacts these areas?

ZEK: Films have a profound influence on ‌societal narratives. They can challenge stereotypes, promote social issues, and​ bring communities‌ together. Culturally, a​ vibrant film industry can foster a sense ​of national identity and pride. Plus, increased ​domestic production means⁣ more local stories can be ⁢told, enriching ​the cultural tapestry of Morocco.

TNE: What ⁤challenges do you foresee in‌ implementing this new legislation?

ZEK: ​One of ⁣the major challenges will be translating ‍policy into practice. Ensuring that⁣ the necessary resources are allocated and​ that there is adequate infrastructure to support ‍filmmakers⁤ will be critical.​ Additionally, there‌ needs‍ to be a focus on inclusivity, ensuring that diverse voices within the film community are ​represented ⁣and supported.

TNE: Are there any global trends in filmmaking that Morocco can leverage based on this ⁤new bill?

ZEK: Definitely.‌ The rise of streaming services ​has reshaped ⁣distribution networks and‍ audience consumption. If ‌Morocco can position‍ itself as a⁤ hub ⁢for​ quality content that appeals to these ​platforms, it could attract ⁢international ⁢collaborations. This bill is a step toward embracing such trends ⁤and‍ encouraging innovative storytelling.

TNE: Thank you, Dr. El Khadir, for sharing your⁢ insights.⁢ As Morocco embarks on⁢ this ambitious journey to elevate⁣ its cinematographic sector, it’s clear that the ⁣potential impacts are vast and ⁤varied.

ZEK: Thank you for ‍having me, and I’m⁢ excited to see ‌how this unfolds. It’s a transformative ​time for Morocco’s film industry!

TNE: And thank you to our audience for ⁢tuning in. Stay connected with ⁣Time.news for more updates on this exciting development!

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