Desk
One of my favorite oldies is the iconic 1942 film ‘Casablanca’, but my devastation was real when I found out it was completely shot on soundstages in Hollywood. The betrayal! The blow was however softened when I found out about the scores of other films that have taken advantage of the striking landscapes of Morocco for filming.
It might not be a traditional cinephile destination but Morocco’s cinematic attractions were a surprising and fun addition to my journey and I would highly recommend exploring this angle too. Once you have secured your Moroccan visa for Pakistani citizens, the world of movie magic is yours to explore!
Why Make Movies in Morocco?
The allure of Morocco for filmmakers lies in its remarkable blend of stunning natural landscapes, intricate architecture, and unapologetically vibrant culture. It is also super close to Europe and with its diverse topography, it can pass for everything from a distant planet to ancient Egypt.
Additionally, Morocco’s cultural influences are so varied that it can double as dozens of destinations. From Berber and Arab to French and Spanish, filmmakers are spoiled with unique settings to tell their stories. Basically, Morocco is a chameleon destination that can be transformed into anything a filmmaker’s heart desires.
Exploring the Atlas Movie Studio
Studios in India and Los Angeles are usually regarded as some of the largest in the world, but there is a little-known treasure in Morocco that takes top honors on this one. It’s located on the outskirts of Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Sahara.”
Atlas Studios is a staggering 322,000 square feet in size and you can walk between an ancient Egyptian Town, Luxor, and the Dalai Lama’s home within moments.
This sprawling studio complex has been the filming location for numerous blockbuster movies, earning it the nickname “Morocco’s Hollywood.” We could visit Atlas Studios and take a guided tour for as little as $5. This offered some fascinating behind-the-scenes insights into the making of some of cinema’s most iconic moments.
Tracing Morocco’s Cinematic Legacy
Here is a look at some of the most iconic films that you probably didn’t know were shot in Morocco:
Gladiator (2000)
Ridley Scott’s epic historical drama “Gladiator” transformed Morocco’s arid landscapes into the ancient Roman Empire. The majestic sand dunes of the Sahara Desert near Erfoud provided the perfect setting for the film’s breathtaking battle scenes.
Travelers can embark on guided desert excursions that take them to these cinematic locations, allowing them to relive the grandeur of Maximus’s heroic exploits.
Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
The wildly popular television series “Game of Thrones” utilized various locations across Morocco to bring the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos to life. From the fortified city of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the coastal town of Essaouira, fans of the series can embark on guided tours that offer insights into the filming locations and their significance within the show’s narrative.
The Mummy (1999)
Brimming with ancient mysteries and thrilling escapades, “The Mummy” transports audiences to the mystical realm of ancient Egypt. While much of the film was shot on elaborate sets, Morocco’s breathtaking desert landscapes provided the perfect backdrop for capturing the essence of the Sahara.
From the windswept dunes of Merzouga to the rugged canyons of Todra Gorge, Morocco’s timeless allure adds an air of authenticity to this epic adventure.
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
David Lean’s masterpiece, “Lawrence of Arabia,” stands as a cinematic testament to the sweeping vistas and untamed beauty of the Arabian Peninsula. Morocco’s expansive deserts and vast, open spaces played a pivotal role in bringing T.E. Lawrence’s epic journey to life on the silver screen.
From the haunting solitude of the Sahara to the majestic grandeur of the Atlas Mountains, Morocco’s landscapes serve as a canvas upon which the epic saga of one man’s quest for identity unfolds.
Sex and the City 2 (2010)
In “Sex and the City 2,” the glitz and glamour of New York City give way to the exotic allure of Abu Dhabi. However, much of the film’s Abu Dhabi scenes were actually shot in Morocco, particularly in the bustling city of Marrakech.
From the opulent interiors of luxury hotels to the bustling souks and vibrant streets, Marrakech lends an air of authenticity to the film’s exploration of friendship, love, and self-discovery against the backdrop of a vibrant and dynamic culture.
Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015)
The fifth installment in the blockbuster “Mission: Impossible” franchise, “Rogue Nation,” takes audiences on a globe-trotting adventure spanning exotic locales and high-stakes espionage.
Morocco’s ancient city of Tangier serves as a key setting in the film, providing a backdrop for thrilling chase sequences and daring feats of espionage. With its labyrinthine alleyways, bustling markets, and stunning coastal vistas, Tangier adds an air of intrigue and suspense to Ethan Hunt’s latest mission.
