The UK and Moroccan governments have signed a co-production treaty.

The UK and Moroccan governments have signed a film co-production treaty, negotiated by the BFI and Centre Cinématographique Marocain (CCM).

The treaty will likely soon be extended to include television as well.

Productions that qualify under the terms of the treaty will be able to access the benefits of national status in each country, allowing access to Moroccan tax incentives and the UK’s film tax relief and the BFI Film Fund.

BFI chief executive Amanda Nevill said: “British filmmakers, from David Lean through to Christopher Nolan, have long since looked to Morocco for its stunning landscapes and substantial production infrastructure.

“This treaty will be a catalyst to grow opportunities to pool creative and financial resources and foster a deeper sense of collaboration.”

Director general of the Centre Cinématographique Marocain, Nour-Eddine Sail, commented: “This treaty will help us create sustainable cultural partnerships between our two film industries and give filmmakers in both our countries access to new markets, new creative opportunities and financial advantages.

“Our intention is to expand this ambition into the area of TV production too so that content producers for high end television also gain the cultural exchange and financial benefits.”

Morocco has long been a popular filming destination for international productions, with notable films shot in the country including Orson Welles’ Othello, Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator and Inception.

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