Exclusion or neglect? Amazigh artists raise their voices against the Moroccan Cinematographic Center
The debate surrounding the cultural policy of the Moroccan Cinematographic Center (CCM) is escalating, after a number of Amazigh creators revealed documented experiences which they describe as systematic exclusion, demanding clear answers regarding the criteria for support and selection.
An Unread Script
An Amazigh filmmaker recounts that for the second consecutive time, he submitted a feature film project to the Center, which was the only Amazigh film in that competition cycle. During the interview, it became clear that the committee had not read the script, as he was asked questions about scenes and ideas not found in the text. When he confronted the committee about this, he was met with inexplicable silence.
Questionable Figures
Regarding statistics, the available data reveal a notable pattern: in the last cycle of funding for short films, all five Arabic-language projects received support, while the sole Amazigh project was excluded. The same scenario placed out in the feature film category. In contrast, Hassani cinema benefits from a dedicated and protected budget, which Amazigh creators consider to be blatant and unjustifiable discrimination.
Self-Funding as a Forced Alternative
In the absence of official support, self-funding has become the only option for many creators, particularly in the Rif region, where estimates suggest that about 60 percent of films produced in the region are fully financed out of their creators’ own pockets. They believe that Amazigh cinema will not last long, not only due to the lack of support, but also in the face of repeated bureaucratic obstacles.
Demands for Transparency
Amazigh artists are demanding that the Moroccan Cinematographic Center disclose its selection and support criteria, emphasizing that they are not asking for privileges, but rather for an equal application of the law and the constitution, which guarantees Tamazight its status as an official language of the Kingdom. The Moroccan Cinematographic Center has not yet issued any official comment on these accusation.
