The Moroccan Cinematic Center has confirmed that the filming of a kissing scene for the Italian film in April 9 Square in Tangier “does not violate the constants of the Kingdom and public order.”
The center stated that “cinematic films or audiovisual works filmed in Morocco comply with all the procedures in place regarding filming permits, ensuring they do not infringe upon the constants of the Kingdom and public order. The work in question does not contain any violations, and it has obtained the necessary filming permit.”
This response was made in reply to an inquiry from the National Human Rights Council after being approached by the President of the Center for the Protection of Social Rights and Development Strategies and the Cinema Spring Association.
### Cinema Spring Upset!
In light of this response, the same association has decided to direct a question to Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, asserting that the scene is “indecent.”
The association has called on the Prime Minister to launch an investigation into the matter, the circumstances surrounding the permit for such actions, and to verify whether the permit holder has respected national laws and public morals, especially considering that Article 483 of the Penal Code penalizes such public acts without exception, even if conducted in an artistic context.
The association stated, “We are following this case, which is currently in the judiciary. On July 9, 2025, the Minister of Justice referred a complaint under number 3/1024 to the Public Prosecution in Rabat, and we have submitted several supplementary complaints to this judicial institution, in line with developments in this case, which is damaging to the residents of Tangier and the Kingdom in general, especially after new videos circulated.”
### A Victory for Creative Freedom
The stance of the National Human Rights Council represents a victory for freedom of expression and creativity, following attempts by self-identified conservative groups to impose their viewpoint on the film sector and to impact the film industry in Tangier and Morocco as a whole.
Over recent years, Tangier has become a destination for international film shoots, and the objections raised regarding the “leakage” of scenes from the film have raised concerns about potential restrictions on this industry, which thrives on freedom and creativity without constraints.
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