Rabat – Nomadic filmmaker Brandon Li has released a short film titled “Morocco Arise” in which he captures the spirit of Morocco, its landscapes, and key cultural components such as its medinas, mountains, historic World Cup journey, and the traditional equestrian art “Tbourida.”
Li spent 6 weeks shooting and 3 months editing the short film, which received over 62,000 views in 48 hours. He described it as an “intense passion project and an unforgettable journey across the incredible landscapes and cultures of Morocco.”
The eight minute short film captures Morocco’s different cultural aspects including its ancient and traditional equestrian art “Tbourida,” with several scenes showing horseback riding and equestrians firing guns and riding in synchrony.
In the director’s commentary, Li explained that his goal with the film was “to weave together the different landscapes, cultures and events that create the film that celebrates the powerful spirit of the people of Morocco.”
Li’s short film also depicted Morocco’s memorable World Cup experience, with people seen waving Moroccan flags and donning Atlas Lions jerseys in the streets in celebration of Morocco’s victories at the global tournament.
Li said his presence in Morocco during the World Cup was pure luck.
“Throughout this entire shoot, the World Cup was happening, at first I was not planning on putting it in the film because I did not see football as unique to Morocco and I try to focus on the aspects of culture that are unique to the country I’m visiting,” Li explained.
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The filmmaker continued, “But, then Morocco kept winning and winning…and they became the first African team to reach the World Cup semi finals.”
“It was basically just pure luck that I happened to be in Morocco while Morocco was winning the World Cup,” he said.
Li decided to film the reactions of the people watching the games, and one specific celebration struck him as memorable and his personal favorite.
“Probably my favorite memory from the trip was the celebrations after the victory against Spain.,” he said, recalling the round of 16 game where Morocco won on penalties.
“I was in Marrakech and I followed the crowd from Medina to Gueliz where they celebrated in the streets for hours,” the director recalled. “The energy was absolutely electric and I never felt like anything like it before.”
The short film also featured Morocco’s multiple tourism assets including Marrakech’s Jemaa El Fna square, Fez’ Chouara Tannery, Todra Gorge, and the Merzouga Desert.
Food and art were also key aspects of the film, including Morocco’s famous couscous and Tagine, as well as the performers and artisans of Marrakech.
The filmmaker noted that the film was a labor of love for him, that he had no clients and that it was not a commercial. He traveled to Morocco because it had long been a dream destination for him.
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