Morocco reinforces Ouarzazate’s place on the global film map

ورزازات مدينة سياحية مغربية تشتهر بمعمارها المميز ومناظرها الطبيعية الخلابة

Morocco launches MAD 240 million film production hub in Ouarzazate

Morocco has witnessed a remarkable expansion of its film industry in recent years, emerging as one of the world’s leading destinations for major international productions. This momentum has prompted the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, led by Minister Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, to launch construction of the Ouarzazate International Film Production City, a strategic project designed to strengthen the city’s infrastructure and reinforce its role as a key filmmaking hub in the Kingdom.

On 03/08/2026 at 19h30

The project is being carried out under a national partnership involving the Draa-Tafilalet Regional Council, which is contributing 80 million dirhams, alongside the Ministries of Communication and Industry. According to the Ministry of Culture, the complex will be built on a 10.49-hectare site with a total investment of 240 million dirhams.

The project is part of efforts to equip the historic city of Ouarzazate with modern infrastructure that will further raise its profile on the global film scene. Over the past two decades, the city has hosted the production of numerous major international films, with its distinctive landscapes and cinematic appeal making Morocco a preferred destination for filmmakers from around the world.

Ouarzazate offers a unique combination of historical landmarks and geographical features that have made it one of the world’s favored destinations for film productions. Its historic locations and film studios provide directors with diverse settings that facilitate the transformation of scripts into memorable cinematic works.

The International Film Production City, to be built on the 10.49-hectare site, will revolve around five main hubs, including a 3,000-square-meter soundstage, dedicated filming facilities, archival and post-production spaces, training and skills development centers, reception areas, and other infrastructure linked to the creative industries. The project is expected to enable the city to host major film productions in the coming years, generating significant economic returns while contributing to the promotion of Moroccan tourism through the exceptional assets that have established Ouarzazate as one of Africa’s leading film production centers.

The complex will not be dedicated solely to foreign productions. It is also intended to serve Morocco’s domestic film industry by providing national filmmakers with modern production facilities and a comprehensive filmmaking environment equipped with the infrastructure and technology needed to support the success of Moroccan productions.

This growing investment in the seventh art reflects the profound transformation taking place in Morocco’s film sector, positioning the Kingdom to become a major film production hub in Africa. The expansion of film production and the growing success of Moroccan directors at leading international film festivals have further strengthened this trajectory.

The International Film Production City will also focus on post-production services, an area in which Ouarzazate’s studios have long faced limitations. Until now, many international filmmakers were required to move their productions elsewhere after filming in Ouarzazate to complete post-production work. Providing infrastructure that meets international production standards is expected to give Morocco the opportunity to become a more competitive player in the global film industry.

By Achraf El Hassani
On 03/08/2026 at 19h30