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#Videocrux - Curtain call for Morocco's movie theatres Curtain call for Morocco's movie theatres
The lights are going dark in movie theaters across Morocco. Television, DVDs and -- especially -- pirated copies of films have taken the audience away from the cinema, but actors, directors and cinephiles are attempting to revive the tradition of the big-screen show.
Moroccan cinema heading towards dark future
Until recently, the Opera was still one of Casablanca's grandest cinemas. When it was closed down, in 2004, the former caretaker decided to set up home on site. In a corner, the rolls of film are piled up and deteriorating. It's the kind of situation which one organisation says is far too common.
Private firms converting theatres into malls
Thirty years ago Morocco had more than 250 cinemas. Now there are barely 50. The Verdun is one historic movie theatre in the city's Jewish quarter. It seats 1500 and has two balconies and an orchestra pit. The cinema's for sale, the commercial chain Assima wants to buy up the hall, do it up and turn it into a supermarket.
Piracy eating up Moroccan cinema
A surge in cable television channels, and a huge pirate DVD industry. On streets throughout the country, you can pick up the latest cinema blockbuster for little more than a dollar.
Govt. opening up multiple screen theatres
The government is now developing such multiscreen complexes. Morocco already has two -- available to those who can travel out-of-town and afford the ticket price. Meanwhile the country's traditional cinemas seem to be facing a future as supermarkets and shopping centres.

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