Film Haven Morocco
13/12/06 13:17 |
Morocco Articles
In recent years, Morocco has become a hot spot in the
international film world. The most recent films
Babel, The Nativity Story, and Home of the
Brave are just some of the latest movies shot in
Morocco. Not to mention other blockbusters such as
Gladiator, The Mummy, Sahara,The Sheltering Sky,
Black Hawk Down, Seven Years in Tibet, Alexander,
Lawrence of Arabia, Othello, Cleopatra, The Message,
and The Hills Have Eyes II were all filmed in
Morocco. Why is
it so alluring for filmmakers around the world?
Apart from the pleasant weather, amazing landscapes,
genuine hospitality, and mouth-watering food, Morocco
is popular mainly because of its diverse geography.
Any time a scene involving the desert or Arabs need to be filmed, Morocco is the number one destination for film producers. Morocco is a country that still looks like an Arab country in most parts, unlike Saudi Arabia or other parts of the Middle East. It’s also much closer to North America and Western Europe, and because it’s a kingdom, safety and security is a priority.
While Ourzazate boasts two film studios, the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, the High Atlas Mountains, and other destinations around the country have also proved ideal for scenes other than those relating to the desert or Arabs.
Ever since Gladiator and Black Hawk Down were filmed in the 90s, the infrastructure for filming has strengthened. In fact, in some places, you may have 4 big films being shot at the same time! In any event, don’t forget to check out the latest film Babel, featuring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. This multinarrative film is a modern rendition of the biblical myth of Babel. In the film, the myth is related on three different continents. One story takes place in Mexico, one in Japan, and one features an American couple (Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett) who travel to Morocco. However distinct the three stories are, they are all intertwined and worth a trip to the movie theater and perhaps even a visit to Morocco!
Any time a scene involving the desert or Arabs need to be filmed, Morocco is the number one destination for film producers. Morocco is a country that still looks like an Arab country in most parts, unlike Saudi Arabia or other parts of the Middle East. It’s also much closer to North America and Western Europe, and because it’s a kingdom, safety and security is a priority.
While Ourzazate boasts two film studios, the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, the High Atlas Mountains, and other destinations around the country have also proved ideal for scenes other than those relating to the desert or Arabs.
Ever since Gladiator and Black Hawk Down were filmed in the 90s, the infrastructure for filming has strengthened. In fact, in some places, you may have 4 big films being shot at the same time! In any event, don’t forget to check out the latest film Babel, featuring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. This multinarrative film is a modern rendition of the biblical myth of Babel. In the film, the myth is related on three different continents. One story takes place in Mexico, one in Japan, and one features an American couple (Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett) who travel to Morocco. However distinct the three stories are, they are all intertwined and worth a trip to the movie theater and perhaps even a visit to Morocco!
