This week Morocco has a number of films up for major awards at the 21st Panafrican Film and Television Festival (Fespaco) in Ouagadougou, capital of Burkina Faso.
In the full length movie category, three Moroccan films have been selected for the African equivalent of the Oscar - the Golden Stallion of Yennega - from a field of 19 at the biennial awards. South Africa is the only other country that has three films nominated.
Samira fi dayala"Wadaan Oummahat" (Goodbye Mothers), directed by Mohamed Ismail, traces the exodus of Moroccan Jews to Israel in the 1960s, and focuses on the bonds between a Jewish and a Muslim family.
The third is "Whatever Lola Wants", directed by Nabil Ayouch, is the tale of a US postal worker who goes to Egypt with her boyfriend and becomes enchanted by belly dancing.
Short films also shine
Morocco's chances are also strong in the short film category, with four potential award winners including Bensouda's "Le Revenant" (The Ghost) about the anniversary of Mozart's death.
The revival of the country's film industry has largely been due to the strong funding support film-makers receive from the national film board, the Centre Cinematographique Marocain (CCM).
Director Nabil Ayouch said it is important for Morocco to show its films and culture. "In this globalised world where everything is a melting pot, we need to talk about our identity or others will do it in our place," he said.
It is hoped Morocco will become just as widely known for the films it produces as for the wonderful scenery it provides for many American movies. However, distribution of local films internationally is still a significant hurdle to overcome.
Tags: Moroccan Morocco Fes, Maghreb news
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