A new chapter is unfolding for Morocco’s film and audiovisual industry with the inauguration of a regional branch of the Institut Supérieur des Métiers de l’Audiovisuel et du Cinéma (ISMAC) in Dakhla. The official opening, held on Monday in the presence of Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid and French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati, marks a significant milestone in the development of specialized training in this sector.
With this new institution, young talents from the region will have direct access to cutting-edge training in key areas such as filmmaking, screenwriting, production, sound engineering, editing, and special effects. This ISMAC branch aspires to become a center of excellence, fostering a new generation of Moroccan filmmakers while contributing to the professionalization of the national audiovisual landscape.
The initiative is part of a cooperation agreement between Morocco and France, signed during the Cannes Film Festival, aimed at boosting co-productions and strengthening cinematic exchanges between the two countries. During the event, Rachida Dati emphasized that this collaboration extends beyond film, encompassing media, audiovisual technologies, digital innovation, and artificial intelligence.
“My visit to Dakhla as French Minister of Culture carries a strong political message,” Dati stated, underscoring the shared ambition of Morocco and France to establish a long-term strategic cultural partnership.
For his part, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid highlighted that this initiative aligns with the vision of King Mohammed VI, who places great emphasis on human capital development and Morocco’s cultural influence. He also noted that Dakhla’s unique landscapes and cinematic potential make it an attractive destination for both national and international film productions.
With this inauguration, Dakhla is positioning itself as a rising hub for cinema and audiovisual arts, benefiting from its exceptional natural scenery and a thriving cultural scene. The project reflects Morocco’s commitment to investing in education and creative industries, leveraging high-level international partnerships to elevate its audiovisual sector.
The event brought together key figures, including French Ambassador to Morocco Christophe Lecourtier, Dakhla-Oued Eddahab’s regional governor Ali Khalil, ISMAC director Hakim Belabbès, as well as local officials, diplomats, and cultural leaders.
This new facility represents a major breakthrough for Moroccan cinema, reinforcing Dakhla’s status as a new epicenter for film production in North Africa and an essential player in the country’s cultural and artistic development.
