Key Facts
Morocco has officially begun construction of a major film production hub, the International Cinema City, in Ouarzazate. The project, led by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, broke ground on June 27 on a 24-acre site at the entrance of the city, with direct access to National Road 9 and Mohammed V Avenue. The government's investment amounts to 240 million Moroccan Dirhams (approximately $25 million).
Details of the Film Hub
The facility is designed as a one-stop-shop for film production, offering an integrated ecosystem covering the full value chain. According to an official statement, it will include state-of-the-art sound stages, post-production labs, editing and screening rooms, and a space dedicated to immersive technologies and artificial intelligence applied to filmmaking. Additionally, the hub will feature a training and talent incubation center, as well as a hotel complex to accommodate national and international production teams. The training hub aims to boost local crew skills in areas like post-production and visual effects, fostering innovation within Morocco's cultural and creative industries.
Impact on Morocco's Film Industry
The new studio complex is part of Morocco's ongoing push to sustain growth in its film sector. In 2025, foreign investment in productions shot in Morocco reached roughly $130 million. The country offers attractive incentives, including a 30% rebate, VAT tax exemption, up to 80% equipment rental discount, and hefty discounts on hotels. Morocco's ambition is to move beyond merely hosting location shoots to providing producers, studios, and streamers with the entire production value chain, capitalizing on the rise of runaway productions from the U.S. due to cheaper costs and generous tax incentives elsewhere.
What Readers Should Know
Ouarzazate, located between the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara, has long been a favored destination for Hollywood directors. Notable productions shot at least partly in Morocco include Ridley Scott's 'Gladiator 2', 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny', Nicolas Cage's 'Lord of War' sequel, and the French historical epic 'De Gaulle: Résistance'. Past productions also include 'Game of Thrones' and Martin Scorsese's 'The Last Temptation of Christ'. The new hub is expected to further cement Morocco's position as a global filming destination.
FAQ
What is the International Cinema City in Ouarzazate?
It is a new $25 million film production hub being built by the Moroccan government on a 24-acre site, designed as a one-stop-shop for film production including sound stages, post-production, training, and accommodations.
Why is Ouarzazate significant for Hollywood?
Ouarzazate is a popular filming location for Hollywood epics like Ridley Scott's 'Gladiator 2', 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny', and 'Game of Thrones', due to its desert landscapes and proximity to the Atlas Mountains.
What incentives does Morocco offer for film productions?
Morocco offers a 30% rebate, VAT tax exemption, up to 80% equipment rental discount, and substantial hotel discounts to attract foreign productions.