A new report titled “Public Policy in Cinema and Human Rights in Morocco” recommends enhancing the protection of freedom of expression and creativity. The report suggests adopting a positive approach in managing licenses for film exhibitions and exploitation by the Moroccan Cinema Center. The emphasis is on balancing the protection of minors while respecting the autonomy of adults choosing to attend cinemas willingly.
Issued by the Mediterranean Encounters for Cinema and Human Rights Association, the report highlights governance issues in public policies related to cinema in Morocco. These issues, if not addressed, could hinder compliance with international commitments and constitutional requirements concerning human rights and freedoms.
The document recommends refraining from calls for censorship in the absence of a legal framework within the legislative institution. Urging the prompt establishment of a legal framework to safeguard creative freedom, the report underscores the need to distinguish administrative guardianship between television and cinema.
Additionally, the report sheds light on parliamentary shortcomings in monitoring recommendations provided by official state institutions regarding the governance of the cinema sector. It points out deficiencies in cultural dialogue and coordination between academic sectors, vocational training, and industry professionals to develop an innovative vision capable of fostering a new cinema model and promoting a human rights culture.
The report advocates for formulating a “Cinematographic” public policy, emphasizing the state’s responsibility in the cultural domain. It stresses the importance of state involvement as a guarantor of freedom of expression and creativity. The recommendations include ensuring a genuine cultural policy by placing Moroccan cinema and the Cinema Center under the supervision of the cultural sector.
Moreover, the report calls for a review of the Moroccan Cinema Center’s jurisdiction, aligning it with recent global developments in the audiovisual sector and information technologies. It emphasizes the necessity of internal monitoring mechanisms, complete with records specifying responsibilities and tasks of various personnel, to ensure transparency and legal compliance.
Concerning film production support, the report suggests a methodical approach to determining compensation percentages by an official committee based on a comprehensive study. It proposes establishing an entity within the Cinema Center to recover and monitor advances on revenues paid for cinematographic film production. Additionally, it calls for a reassessment of the festival support methodology to create a genuine professional dynamic at all levels.
Lastly, the report encourages conducting studies to measure consumer satisfaction with film industry practices and ticket pricing, ensuring inclusive access to cinematic culture in Morocco. It also emphasizes the need to elevate media literacy, citizenship education, and the integration of “media and information literacy” in educational institutions to cultivate analytical and critical thinking skills. The report underscores the importance of partnerships between cinema associations and human rights organizations to promote image rights and combat stereotypes.