Looking for a destination for your next vacation? Morocco is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Its idyllic setting with its beautiful desert landscapes is perfect to escape. Moreover, these sumptuous settings are frequently requested for film shoots. Discover the backstage of cult films by visiting the film studio in Ouarzazate.
The city of Ouarzazate, the Moroccan Hollywood
Located in the center of northern Morocco, the city of Ouarzazate offers direct access to the Sahara desert, hence its nickname of "the gateway to the desert". Offering a quiet and serene setting, Ouarzazate is much appreciated by tourists looking for a change of scenery. But it is not only tourists who are interested in the beautiful landscapes of the Saharan desert. Indeed, film professionals from around the world come to Morocco to get beautiful shots in authentic settings. In addition to documentaries, you must have already seen Ouarzazate in American or French films.
Over the years, a real film industry has been built in Ouarzazate. Like Los Angeles, Ouarzazate is now considered the Hollywood of Morocco, and even the Hollywood of Africa. A trip to Ouarzazate is the ideal opportunity to visit the film studio and the film sets used for the production of cult films.
The cult films shot in the film studio in Ouarzazate
The beauty of the desert and the Moroccan sites has long been used for cinema and television. Making a feature film in Morocco was already common in the days of black and white cinema, notably with the film Casablanca (1942). Over the years, the number of films produced and shot in Morocco has grown. On the one hand, there are the big Hollywood productions by the big American studios such as Walt Disney Company, Universal Studio and Warner Bros. On the other hand, there are the independent films of the new generation of directors.
Among the cult films shot in Ouarzazate are Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator and Asterix and Obelix Mission Cleopatra. Depending on the film genre, the landscape adapts to the needs and can even be combined with special effects. This cinematographic spectacle is notably visible in "Dune", a science-fiction film directed by the filmmaker Denis Villeneuve.
Atlas Studios, the reference film studio in Morocco
Faced with the craze of foreign production companies to shoot in Morocco, a Moroccan film studio was founded in 1983. It is about Atlas Studios which offers grandiose sets to welcome the shootings of feature films and series in Morocco. This audiovisual production company has provided a location for Hollywood productions such as The Mummy (1990), by writer and director Stephen Sommers. Its film catalog also includes the blockbusters of director and producer Ridley Scott, namely Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven.
On the television side, this production studio has offered filming locations for series like Games of Thrones and Atlantis. This film city that has allowed great directors to create magic on the big screen is open to the public. It's another way for moviegoers to rediscover films outside of theatrical and Netflix screenings. Also, come and deepen your knowledge of the seventh art in life-size sets.
Ksar Ighnda, the luxury hotel to stay in Ouarzazate
Are you looking for a hotel to stay at during your trip to the film locations? After the guided tour of the film production studios and other attractions, you need a place to rest in peace and quiet. To this end, the Riad Ksar Ighnda hotel located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains and at the gateway to the desert is recommended for its warm and friendly atmosphere. Come and enjoy a tailor-made stay in a sumptuous and refined setting with a complete service.
Our charming hotel offers rooms and suites with a unique decor inspired by Moroccan art deco. A room service is available to meet the needs of our customers. After your excursions, you can enjoy delicious traditional dishes and relax in the hotel's wellness center.
