Culture

Veteran Moroccan executive producer Zakaria Alaoui has shared new details about the making of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, including how the acclaimed filmmaker fell in love with Dakhla’s White Dune and why Morocco has evolved from a filming backdrop into a genuine production partner for Hollywood.

The eighth edition of the International Ifrane Festival came to a close on Wednesday after several days of artistic and cultural programming that attracted thousands of visitors from Morocco and abroad. Organized by the Ifrane Forum for Culture and Development in partnership with the Ifrane Provincial Authority and the Fez-Meknes Regional Council, this year’s festival was held under the theme: “Ifrane National Park: An Exceptional Natural Heritage—Shared Challenges and Prospects for Sustainable Development.”

A Moroccan-Indonesian musical evening in Jakarta brought together government officials, diplomats and cultural figures to celebrate the two countries’ longstanding ties, highlighting the role of cultural diplomacy and music in strengthening bilateral relations and fostering dialogue between peoples.

According to a report by The Sun, the Portugal captain is set to executive produce and feature in Day 1s, a fictional drama centered on the world of football agents. Neither Ronaldo nor his representatives have officially confirmed the project.

Moroccan cinemas sold more than 2.18 million tickets in 2025, generating nearly MAD 130 million ($14 million) in box office revenue. But behind those figures lies a highly concentrated market, with the vast majority of ticket sales controlled by just two cinema operators.

Closed to the public since sustaining damage during the 2021 storms, El Jadida’s Portuguese Citadel is undergoing an extensive MAD 2.5 million restoration project. The 18-month project aims to reinforce and preserve the UNESCO World Heritage landmark.

The filming of Christopher Nolan’s latest blockbuster, “The Odyssey,” has once again highlighted Ouarzazate’s international appeal. The UNESCO-listed Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou serves as the legendary city of Troy in the film. Following a record-breaking global box office debut, the production is showcasing Moroccan expertise at a time when the region is preparing to launch an International Cinema City.

Morocco’s film industry reached a milestone in 2025, attracting a record MAD 1.21 billion in foreign production spending. The year also saw the completion of 26 Moroccan feature films, while the domestic box office continued its recovery, led by the success of “My Friend” and “Routini.”

Moroccan architect Salima Naji has been shortlisted for the 2026 Arab World Institute (IMA) Design Grand Prize for her Heritage Interpretation Center in Tiznit, an earthen structure built within the city’s historic ramparts. The nomination recognizes her long-standing work to preserve and promote Morocco’s architectural heritage. She is among five Moroccan creators shortlisted this year.