Morocco has officially rolled out a sweeping legislative reform aimed at reshaping the country’s film industry from the ground up. Enforced through Law 18.23, enacted in December 2024 and published in the Official Bulletin later that month, the new framework marks a significant turning point for the sector. At the heart of the reform is a redefinition of the Moroccan Cinematographic Center (CCM), which is set to play a more structured and strategic role moving forward.
The reform aims to stimulate investment, generate employment, enforce tighter public oversight, and foster a fairer competitive environment across the film market. It also aspires to revitalize Moroccan cinema on both the domestic and international stages by laying the foundation for a stronger and more modern economic model tailored to current global industry standards.
As part of this transformation, the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication launched a second round of consultations earlier this year. From January 29 to February 4, 2025, stakeholders from across the industry—ranging from producers and distributors to festival organizers, technicians, and professionals in animated cinema—gathered for six working sessions. These discussions led to a series of recommendations, which were then used to fine-tune the implementation regulations.
Following this collaborative effort, the government published a key implementation decree in June 2025, followed by four additional regulatory texts in August. These outlined specific guidelines on various aspects of the industry, including the national cinema registry, conditions for production activity, rules for importing, exporting, and screening films, as well as the introduction of an official studio label and the distribution of professional accreditation cards.
Additional ministerial and joint decrees are expected in the coming months to complete the regulatory framework. The new law repeals a number of outdated statutes, including those that previously governed the CCM, regulated the industry, or managed video works and the public cinema register.
As of September 1, 2025, the law is officially in effect. Film permits issued under the previous regime will remain valid until their original expiration dates. Funding programs that support film production, cinema modernization, and digital transformation—as well as financial support for festivals—will continue under the new law.
Companies currently operating under the now-defunct Law 20.99 have until August 31, 2026, to align with the new requirements. Holders of professional cards issued under the previous legal structure have been granted a longer transition period: they must comply by August 31, 2030.
The CCM is urging professional organizations across the sector to ramp up outreach efforts to ensure that producers, distributors, exhibitors, technicians, festival organizers, and technical service providers are all informed and prepared. The goal is to ensure a smooth and coordinated shift to the new legal framework, enhance the quality of Moroccan productions, and boost their international visibility.
Reaffirming its public service mandate, the CCM has pledged to fully mobilize its staff and administrative resources to guide and support professionals through this critical period of transformation for the national film industry.
