Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bennani, emphasized the close relationship between the video game industry and cinema during a statement made today in Tangier. He noted that this integration serves as a critical lever for creating new job opportunities for youth and enhancing the status of national cultural industries.
In comments to the press during his visit to an exhibition featuring companies in the video game sector, held as part of the official program of the National Film Festival, Bennani pointed out that the global film industry increasingly relies on artificial intelligence technologies, particularly in visual effects and virtual production, thereby improving the quality of cinematic works and accelerating their production pace.
The minister added that this technological shift presents promising opportunities for Moroccan creators and businesses to develop their skills and benefit from international experiences, aligning with the dynamism of the global cultural scene.
He highlighted that Moroccan companies engaged in video games have managed to develop innovative digital solutions that could support the development of the national film industry, asserting that the synergy between the two sectors represents an important driver for growth and innovation.
Bennani stressed that this approach is part of a comprehensive government vision that positions culture and innovation as essential pillars for economic and creative development, aiming to provide job opportunities for youth and solidify Morocco’s role as a key player in the cultural and digital industries.
For her part, Nasreen El Souissi, Director of the Development of the Video Game Industry and Information Systems at the ministry, affirmed that the inclusion of a dedicated space for video games within the National Film Festival aims to introduce cinema professionals to young Moroccan talents active in this field and create new collaborations across various domains, such as animation, screenwriting, character design, and soundtracks.
El Souissi explained in a statement to the Maghreb Arab Press that this convergence between players in the two industries enhances the independence of film production, as “filmmakers have discovered they can benefit from the modern techniques of youth without the need to resort to foreign companies.”
The space for the video game industry, hosted at the Palace of Arts and Culture during the 25th edition of the National Film Festival, includes 12 Moroccan companies specializing in visual effects, 2D and 3D animation techniques, and short film production. Since the festival’s launch, it has seen increasing interest from professionals and actors in the film sector.
The festival will continue until October 25, aiming to showcase the evolution of Moroccan cinema through the presentation of the latest national productions and facilitate discussions among critics, professionals, and the interested public.
