Location Scouting
Thinking outside the box with location scouting in Morocco
When international producers think of Morocco, specific images spring to mind: Sahara dunes at sunset, bustling Marrakech souks, or centuries-old medinas that double as “exotic” backdrops. These visuals have served countless productions well, but Morocco is far more versatile than the clichés suggest. For filmmakers who dare to look beyond the obvious, the country offers a treasure trove of unexpected locations that can serve a variety of genres.
Beyond sand and souks: Morocco's untapped potential
1. Action and road thrillers in the Atlas
Closing down traffic in a major city is rarely an option. Still, Morocco offers something unique: the ability to shut down stretches of highways or remote roads in the High Atlas for controlled action sequences. This level of access is nearly impossible to secure in Europe or North America. With winding mountain passes, dramatic switchbacks, and sheer cliffside views, these locations are perfect for chase scenes, stunts, or tension-filled road thrillers.
Example: A high-speed pursuit through the Atlas Mountains, framed with epic landscapes that add natural drama without the need for CGI.
Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015)
2. Nordic noir in North Africa
The stereotype of Morocco is “always sunny.” Still, coastal towns like Essaouira, Tetouan, and parts of Tangier often cloak themselves in mist, grey skies, and crashing waves—ideal for moody atmospheres. Combined with colonial-era architecture and narrow alleyways, these places provide the perfect canvas for crime dramas or detective stories.
Example: A gritty detective series unfolding in the foggy ports of Tangier, where the Strait of Gibraltar creates a naturally tense, windswept backdrop.
Body of Lies (2008)
3. Horror and post-apocalyptic landscapes
Morocco’s deserts are well known, but the semi-arid valleys and rocky hillsides around Ouarzazate and the Anti-Atlas can evoke something darker than classic Westerns. These terrains resemble the harsh, barren landscapes seen in U.S. desert horror films like The Hills Have Eyes. They’re equally suited for post-apocalyptic survival stories, offering a setting that feels unsettlingly remote and unforgiving.
Example: A horror film set in abandoned villages and scorched valleys, where the environment itself becomes part of the terror.
The Hills Have Eyes (2006 remake, dir. Alexandre Aja)
4. Romance in Marrakech
Romantic comedies regularly return to Morocco, especially Marrakech. With its mix of vibrant souks, intimate riads, and palm-lined boulevards, the city has already hosted numerous Dutch and French romcoms. Beyond Marrakech, Chefchaouen’s blue-washed alleys provide a dreamy Mediterranean-style setting, while Tangier’s café culture evokes Parisian flair.
Example: A lighthearted romcom weaving together Marrakech’s bustling markets and hidden courtyards, contrasting chaos with intimacy.
Lonely Planet: Love in Morocco (2024 — Netflix)
5. Espionage thrillers
Morocco’s geography at the crossroads of Africa and Europe makes it a natural setting for espionage. Tangier, with its historic role as a hub of international intrigue, remains a favorite for spy narratives. Its mix of consulates, bustling ports, and hilltop kasbahs lends itself to chase sequences and cloak-and-dagger drama.
Example: A tense rooftop pursuit in Tangier, cutting from panoramic views over the Strait of Gibraltar to labyrinthine alleyways below.
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
6. Forests and countryside stories
Few producers realize Morocco also offers lush forests. Areas like Bouskoura near Casablanca, or natural reserves in the Middle Atlas, provide wooded backdrops that are ideal for thrillers, countryside dramas, or even horror set in the wilderness. These settings add a new layer of versatility far removed from the desert stereotype.
Example: A suspense film set in a dense pine forest, where isolation builds tension and atmosphere.
La Source des Femmes (2011)
7. Colonial-era backdrops
Morocco’s French colonial architecture—spanning cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Fez—offers a ready-made stage for stories set in the 1930s–50s. These grand boulevards, faded façades, and old administrative buildings can double for European or North African period dramas without the cost of set construction.
Example: A historical romance unfolding against colonial-style villas and tree-lined avenues that transport viewers to another era.
The Sheltering Sky (1990)
8. Doubling for Spain and the Mediterranean
In northern Morocco, particularly Tangier and Tetouan, specific neighborhoods and coastal stretches look nearly identical to parts of Spain. These areas can double seamlessly for Mediterranean settings, making Morocco a flexible and cost-effective stand-in for European stories.
Example: A Spanish-set drama filmed in Tangier, with its plazas and seaside promenades delivering authentic Iberian flair.
The Wind and the Lion (1975)
Why this matters for producers
Thinking creatively about Morocco means breaking away from the “historical epic” or “desert caravan” tropes. The country’s diversity of landscapes, climates, and architecture allows producers to shift genres fluidly: from forests to deserts, misty noir coastlines to Mediterranean romance—all within a few hours’ drive.
Let's scout creatively together
At Ozz Films, we specialize in helping producers uncover Morocco’s hidden versatility. From matching scripts to unexpected backdrops, to navigating permits and logistics, we’re here to make your project both visually striking and production-friendly.
Contact us today to explore how Morocco could become the next surprising setting for your film.
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