Culture Minister Mehdi Bensaid wants to restore order to the film industry. A new bill to reform the rules governing film production and distribution has been submitted to the House of Representatives. The bill lays down the conditions governing the various activities associated with the industry. Authorization from the Moroccan Cinematographic Center (CCM) is required for a company to carry out activities in this field. These companies must be incorporated as S.A. or SARL. They must be in good standing with the tax authorities, and not be the subject of a judicial winding-up procedure. The law stipulates that the director or manager of a production company may not hold the same position as the director or manager of another company in the same field. The procedure for submitting applications for authorization will be defined by decree. Authorization may be withdrawn if commitments are not respected, or if the company concerned has suspended its activities for 4 years.
In addition to this authorization, any company wishing to produce a film or audiovisual concept will be required to apply for national or international approval. A national approval is required when the production is made on behalf of individuals or legal entities under Moroccan law. The company concerned must have a share capital of at least 500,000 Dirhams (USD 50,000) for “Sociétés Anonymes” (Joint Stock Companies), and 300,000 Dirhams (USD 30,000) for «SARLs» (Limited Liability Companies). Other requirements include the production of a feature film or 3 short films, made by different directors, at least one of whom must be a woman. A decree will define the list of audiovisual products concerned. As far as foreign film shoots are concerned, international approval is granted to companies meeting certain conditions, including having held national approval for at least 3 years... This approval is granted for a renewable period of 5 years.
This new bill aims to support the transformation underway in the cinema sector, which has been suffering for some years now, with the disappearance of several legendary cinemas. The launch of new multiplexes has nonetheless helped to revive the business. The operation of these spaces is subject to authorization from the Moroccan Cinematographic Center.
M.A.M.
