Why Morocco's Spotlight at the 2026 European Film Market Matters for African Cinema

Netflix's Mary was shot in Morocco

As the curtain goes up on the 2026 European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin, Morocco has secured the title of Country in Focus — a strategic move that signals both opportunity and recognition for its film industry and, by extension, the entire African cinema landscape.

A Strategic Elevation

Typically, the designation of “Country in Focus” shines international attention on a national cinema you might otherwise overlook. For Morocco, this means its filmmakers, funding structures, cultural treaties and co-production deals will leap to the forefront of the European film business spotlight. The broader implication? African film industries are being seen not only as sources of cultural content, but as active trade partners and innovation hubs.

What This Means for Moroccan Cinema

• Co-production momentum: With focus status comes stronger chances for Moroccan films to secure partnerships across Europe and beyond. Producers based in Casablanca, Rabat or Marrakech may gain streamlined access to European financing and talent.

• Market visibility: Moroccan titles, previously confined to regional circuits, now enter the global marketplace with legitimacy — potentially increasing sales, festival placement and streaming release opportunities.

• Cultural exchange: The spotlight invites creative dialogue: scripts, themes and visual styles linked with North Africa’s heritage will find platforms, exhibitions and international buyers.

Why African Filmmakers Should Pay Attention

Morocco’s rising profile isn’t only about geography. It represents a clicking moment for African film practitioners:

• The industry map is expanding. Where once African content was treated as “ethnic export,” countries like Morocco show how the model can shift to “equal partner in global film commerce.”

• Funding and market access models may start favouring Africa more broadly. With Morocco showing the mechanics in motion, other African industries gain a blueprint.

• It emphasises that storytelling anchored in local culture can walk confidently onto the global stage — especially when backed by infrastructure, trade strategy and visibility.

Looking Ahead

For the next 12–18 months, keep an eye on Moroccan cinema’s rising tide: festival acquisitions, co-production announcements and sales into unfamiliar territories. And for African filmmakers elsewhere? Ask yourself: What can my country or region do to be “in focus” too?

Because beyond the title and the festival booths, this is about rewriting terms of engagement — from “our stories seen” to “our stories traded”.