Megarama CEO Threatens Exit as Morocco Proposes Film Industry Reforms

"If it’s to work in an atmosphere of mistrust, I’d rather sell," he said.

At the heart of the conflict is a provision that prohibits cinema operators from also being film distributors. A measure that directly impacts Megarama, present in Morocco for 20 years and holding 82% of the market share with its 48 screens. "We built the first multiplex in Africa in Casablanca, I’ve invested millions of euros here, so if it’s to work in an atmosphere of mistrust, I’d rather sell," Jean-Pierre Lemoine told the newspaper Le Monde.

According to the Moroccan Cinematographic Center (CCM), this new regulation aims to promote the distribution of Moroccan films. A laudable objective, but one that could have significant consequences on employment and the film offering in the country, we are concerned.

A meeting was scheduled for this Wednesday between Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Culture and Communication, and Jean-Pierre Lemoine. The objective: to find solutions to appease the tensions and ensure the sustainability of the sector. The discussions will notably focus on the implementing texts of the law, which will have to reconcile the interests of the different players in the Moroccan cinema.