The film "Alkebulan," directed by Moroccan-Italian filmmaker Yassine Marco Marocco, is set to make its world premiere at the Marrakech International Film Festival. The film is a collaboration between Morocco, Hungary, and Qatar, and its story is inspired by the travel journals of Marocco's grandfather, Eduardo Marocco. The film's plot revolves around the disappearance of a trading ship off the Atlantic coast in 1961.
The story follows Eduardo, an Italian mechanic who has lived in Morocco for decades, as he searches for the lost ship on behalf of a network of Spanish mafia members. Alongside his old friend Aziz, Eduardo embarks on a journey that takes them to a remote tribal shrine on the Atlantic coast. Meanwhile, a young Tuareg man named Amastan leads a caravan in search of a stolen sacred artifact.
The film explores themes of cultural heritage, colonialism, and identity. It is a blend of adventure, historical epic, and spiritual storytelling, delving into the complex relationships between Africa and Europe. The film's script draws inspiration from Marocco's grandfather's travel journals, which chronicled his explorations of North Africa.
"Alkebulan" was produced by Moroccan company Eclipse Films, Hungarian company Mirage Film, and Rif Film Morocco. The film received support from the Moroccan Cinema Center, the Hungarian National Film Fund, and the Doha Film Institute. The film's cast includes Mohamed Zouawi, Sonia Akakach, and Mourad Hamimou, among others.
The film was shot on location in Morocco and Hungary between May 2022 and September 2023. The crew faced challenging weather conditions and logistical challenges, including the September 2023 earthquake that occurred during filming. Despite these obstacles, the film's team persevered to bring the project to life.
"Alkebulan" is a 130-minute film that explores the intersection of African and European cultures. The film's title refers to the ancient name for Africa, and its story is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the continent. The film's world premiere at the Marrakech International Film Festival marks an exciting new chapter in Moroccan cinema.
The Marrakech International Film Festival, which takes place from November 20 to 28, 2026, will feature "Alkebulan" in its official competition. The film's selection for the festival is a recognition of its artistic merit and its contribution to the cinematic landscape of Morocco and beyond.
Key points
- The film "Alkebulan" explores themes of cultural heritage, colonialism, and identity.
- The film is a collaboration between Morocco, Hungary, and Qatar.
- The film's world premiere at the Marrakech International Film Festival marks an exciting new chapter in Moroccan cinema.
