New York – English film director and producer Sir Ridley Scott said on Monday out of all the places he has visited he would return to Morocco “in a flash.”
According to an interview by international travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler, which asked some of Sunday night’s Golden Globe winners where they would like to travel in 2016, the English filmmaker did not hesitate to say Morocco.
“Is there a place you’ve been, or filmed that we should visit next?” the same source asked Scott.
“I would also go back to Morocco in a flash. I have been there four times, and I know Morocco probably as well as any Moroccan,” the awarded filmmaker responded.
The 78-year-old director shot several scenes of four of his films in Morocco. Among them, he directed “Gladiator” in 2000, “Kingdom of Heaven” in 2005, “Body of Lies” in 2008, and “Exodus: Gods and Kings” in 2014.
Sir Ridley Scott celebrated two wins at the 73rd Golden Globes annual award ceremony recognizing domestic and foreign excellence in film and television on Sunday night.
The British filmmaker was awarded the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for “The Martian” and his leading actor, Matt Damon, won Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for the same film.
Scott’s “Exodus: Gods and Kings” stirred controversy as it was banned from Moroccan movie theaters for embodying God. It was also reportedly banned in Egypt and the UAE for historical inaccuracies.
However, the Moroccan Cinematographic Centre (CCM) met with the English director to allow the possibility of a screening. In January 2015, Scott agreed to remove the scene depicting God as a child.
Following an agreement with the CCM, “Exodus: Gods and Kings” was screened in Moroccan cinemas.
Another celebrity who loves Morocco is American actor Leonardo DiCaprio who expressed his desire to return to such “fabulous” and “beautiful” country.
Last December during the 15th Marrakech International Film Festival (FIFM), the “Titanic” star mentioned his work trips to Morocco.
“I spent four wonderful months during a shoot in Morocco. I went back for a period of two weeks to shoot the movie Inception. People are extraordinary,” Leo said.
“It was fabulous. …it is so alive, so beautiful. It’s full of energy. I hope to return there,” he added.
Morocco is rapidly becoming a top destination for travelers worldwide. A number of celebrities and athletes have discovered the amazing attributes of the North African country.
