Constructing an independent Moroccan nation and national identity through cinema and institutions

Abstract

A significant axis this paper addresses is the interrelationship of the nation and its cinema, particularly during the early years of national independence during which time the cinema may be used as a tool to cement national identity and unity – as is the case in Morocco's post-independence cinema history from 1956 to 1970. The paper investigates the link between national films and national identity during this important post-independence, nation-cementing era for Morocco. It provides the initial orientation to the cinema developments in Morocco inherited from French colonisation and emphasises that cinema production practices and institutions did not change drastically with Morocco's move to independence in 1956. The author focuses upon films made in Morocco by Moroccans subsequent to independence, overviews the original laws and regulations maintained by the CCM, and investigates early expectations of those first Moroccan filmmakers, and how the filmmakers worked with various institutions. Additionally, she presents how distribution and exhibition functioned in the country at the time, both for Moroccan productions and for other films that were instrumental in shaping the consciousness of consumers about cinema in general. Pertinent to this last point is information presented on the role of pivotal institutions impacting the domain of cinema in Morocco, such as cinema clubs and caravans. The author then presents an overview, not a close analysis, of several pertinent short films and feature films produced between independence in 1956 and 1970.