Looking for a destination for your next holiday? Morocco is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Its idyllic setting, with its beautiful desert landscapes, is perfect for getting away from it all. What's more, these sumptuous settings are often used for film shoots. Discover what goes on behind the scenes of cult films by visiting the Ouarzazate film studio.
Ouarzazate, the Moroccan Hollywood
Situated in central northern Morocco, the town of Ouarzazate offers direct access to the Sahara desert, hence its nickname of "the gateway to the desert". Offering a peaceful and serene setting, Ouarzazate is very popular with tourists looking for a change of scenery. But it's not just tourists who are interested in Ouarzazate. beautiful Saharan desert landscapes. Film professionals from all over the world come to Morocco to get the best shots in the best locations. authentic decors. As well as documentaries, you may have already seen Ouarzazate in American or French films.
Over the years, a veritable film industry has grown up in Ouarzazate. Following the example of Los Angeles, Ouarzazate is now considered to be one of the world's leading film centres. Moroccan Hollywoodor even the Hollywood in Africa. A trip to Ouarzazate is the ideal opportunity to visit the film studio and the sets used in the production of cult films.
Cult films shot in the Ouarzazate film studio
The beauty of the desert and Moroccan sites has long been used in film 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 major 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 or even Asterix and Obelix - Mission Cleopatra. Depending on the film genre, the landscape can be adapted as required, and can even be combined with special effects. This cinematic spectacle can be seen in "Dune", a science-fiction film directed by Denis Villeneuve.
Atlas Studios, Morocco's leading film studio
With foreign production companies keen to shoot in Morocco, a Moroccan film studio was founded in 1983. It is the Atlas Studios which offers magnificent sets for the filming 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-director Stephen Sommers. Its film catalogue also includes blockbusters by director and producer Ridley Scott, namely Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven.
On the television side, this production studio has offered shooting locations for series such as Games of Thrones and Atlantis. This city of cinema, which has enabled great directors to create magic on the big screen, is open to the public. It's another way for film buffs and viewers to rediscover films outside the cinema and on Netflix. Come and learn more about seventh art in life-size sets.
Ksar Ighnda, the luxury hotel for your stay in Ouarzazate
Are you looking for a hotel to stay in during your trip to a film location? After the guided tour film studios and other attractions, you need a place to relax in peace and quiet. The hotel Riad Ksar Ighnda located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains and at the gateway to the desert, is recommended for its warm atmosphere and user-friendly. 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 décor inspired by Moroccan art deco. Room service is available to meet the needs of our guests. After your excursionsyou can enjoy succulent traditional dishes and relax in the hotel wellness centre.
Don't hesitate to contact us to book a room for your cinephile road-trip to Morocco.
