The parliamentary group of the Popular Movement has expressed serious concerns about the decline of Moroccan cinema, a sector that it considers to be losing momentum in recent years. According to its members, a large majority of current film productions no longer manage to capture the attention of spectators, a phenomenon accentuated by the omnipresence of commercial films and the rise of digital technology.
This observation is reinforced by the emergence of a new trend: the replacement of artists by influencers in film and television productions, to the detriment of true professionals in the profession. The group also criticizes the increasing use of foreign technicians for technical roles, a choice which harms the development of local talent.
During its speech on bill n°18.23, which concerns the reorganization of the Moroccan Cinematographic Center (CCM), the group directly linked the decline of cinema to the gradual closure of cinemas, noting an alarming drop in number of spectators and tickets sold. To remedy this, he proposes a revitalization of the sector, in particular through tax incentives to encourage investment in cinemas, places essential to the cultural life of our cities. Once real landmarks, these spaces were meeting places for enthusiasts, where the name of each room was engraved in the collective memory of city dwellers.
The group also highlighted the root causes of this crisis, in particular piracy, which represents a global scourge and particularly affects Moroccan cinema. “ It is well known that cinema has long suffered from piracy. Steps have been taken and efforts made to combat it on several occasions, but the severity of the situation is worsening with technological developments. This is why we are calling for strict measures to be put in place to combat it and also for the reopening of aging cinemas. “, he stressed.
One of the most striking aspects of this crisis is the lack of professionals specialized in cinema professions, particularly in technical areas such as photography, lighting, sound and editing. The group deplores that “ most directors, to make their films in Morocco, call on foreign technicians who often obtain the lion’s share of the awards won by certain Moroccan films in national or international festivals “. This situation, according to them, slows down the development of a national film industry and limits employment opportunities for Moroccans.
It is high time, according to the parliamentary group, to rethink the management of the cinema sector to make it a real lever for development, growth and modernization. Cinema must once again become a structured sector, based on clear and stimulating foundations, he pleads. The group also insists on the importance of promoting cinematographic training in specialized schools and cultural centers, while putting an end to the hegemony of influencers, for the benefit of artists trained in cinema professions.
Furthermore, he recalled that this project is part of the continuity of the orientations of King Mohammed VI, in particular those expressed during the National Conference on Cinema, in 2012. “ This project is a translation of the provisions of the 2011 Constitution, in particular those relating to the cultural, artistic and cinematographic domain. These provisions guarantee freedom of thought, opinion, expression and creation in the fields of literature, the arts, scientific and technical research, and call for support from public authorities for the arts and culture, while ensuring their development and organization on democratic and professional bases “, affirmed the group.
Finally, the group underlined that this project represents a real starting point for the development of cinematographic creativity, by establishing principles of governance, equal opportunities and competitiveness. “IIt is undeniable that the qualification of the cinematographic sector necessarily passes through the Moroccan Cinematographic Center, to which this project attributes new skills, particularly in the field of audiovisual production. This project aims to structure the sector, rationalize its management and propel it towards more professionalism », concluded the intervention.
« We believe that all the constraints mentioned cannot harm the appeal of cinema to the public, as long as the films offered are of quality and address historical or current affairs subjects. Thus, we support this art and ask that it be supported, alongside other relevant art forms », concludes the group.
