For the first time in its history, Morocco is being celebrated at the Venice Production Bridge during the 82nd edition of the Venice International Film Festival, held from August 27 to September 6 in the iconic city of Venice. This recognition underscores the rising international acclaim for Moroccan cinema and its expanding global influence. A significant Moroccan delegation, comprising institutional representatives and industry professionals, is participating in the prestigious 2025 Venice Film Festival. Leading this delegation is Mohamed Reda Benjelloun, the director of the Moroccan Cinematographic Center (CCM). Morocco's honor, alongside the United Kingdom and Chile, signifies a shared ambition to bolster professional partnerships in key international markets. This aligns with the international promotion strategy driven by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication and the CCM. This initiative supports the royal vision and ongoing efforts in co-production, distribution, and the promotion of emerging talents within the national film industry, according to the CCM. On this occasion, Moroccan cinema will shine through its involvement in pivotal events at the Venice Production Bridge, particularly in the strategic segments of the Venice Gap-Financing Market, which is dedicated to projects seeking funding. Three Moroccan feature films have been selected: «Tarfaya» by Sofia Alaoui, «The Black Pearl» by Ayoub Qanir, and «The Missing Camel» by Cheikh N'Diaye. Additionally, Morocco will be represented at the Final Cut in Venice, which focuses on films in post-production from Africa and the Middle East, with the selection of the project «Out of School» (La Cour des Grands) by Hind Bensari. The Moroccan presence also includes the world premiere screening of Maryam Touzani's film «Calle Málaga» in the Spotlight Section. Furthermore, the CCM has established a promotional space within the film market at the Venice Production Bridge. In parallel, the CCM is hosting three panels on topics such as «Incentives and Opportunities - Cash Rebate Program,» «Co-production, Step by Step Process,» and «When Moroccan Animation Shapes Global Imaginary - A Cultural Treasure to Share.» The 82nd Venice Film Festival kicked off on Wednesday evening, with the red carpet unfurled at the Lido for the elite of the global film industry, including stars like George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Werner Herzog, Paolo Sorrentino, and the esteemed American filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola.
