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Morocco: The Past And Present of Djemma el Fna
| Length: | 18 min |
| Released: | 1996 |
| Ages: |
College Adult |
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Marrakech's famous square, a historic crossroad of Arab and Berber cultures, has for years stirred the imagination of Westerners. This documentary captures the color, romance and spiritual atmosphere that once led visitors such as Edith Wharton, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Winston Churchill to marvel at its magic.
More than a tourist spectacle, the square with its storytellers, musicians, acrobats and snake charmers, embodies centuries-old cultural traditions. Our Moroccan guide informs us of the square's history as a destination for caravans from the Sahara and how from earliest times it has been a center for the dissemination of ideas. He weaves his way through the square which is overflowing with performers including the snake charmer, Blaid Farrouss and his young son who hopes to carry on his family's profession. We watch visitors enjoy their exchanges with people who at first appeared strange and exotic. In turn Moroccans show their interest in foreigners and the world beyond Morocco they represent. Always, our guide points to the importance of tradition and hospitality in the Arab world.
More than a tourist spectacle, the square with its storytellers, musicians, acrobats and snake charmers, embodies centuries-old cultural traditions. Our Moroccan guide informs us of the square's history as a destination for caravans from the Sahara and how from earliest times it has been a center for the dissemination of ideas. He weaves his way through the square which is overflowing with performers including the snake charmer, Blaid Farrouss and his young son who hopes to carry on his family's profession. We watch visitors enjoy their exchanges with people who at first appeared strange and exotic. In turn Moroccans show their interest in foreigners and the world beyond Morocco they represent. Always, our guide points to the importance of tradition and hospitality in the Arab world.
"Captures the spirit of an evolving society, its joy and pain and the prospects for its future." - Dr. Mehdi, Nat'l Council on Islamic Affairs
"Imparts a rich understanding of the Djemaa el-Fna as a social meeting ground for innumerable points of view." - Aramco World
"The film blends the tourist's 'gaze' with that of Moroccans earning their livelihood in the plaza...By allowing tourists to speak about what they see and English-speaking Moroccans to talk about what they see elsewhere, Montgomery avoids the cliches of travel videos and ethnographic films of an earlier era." Dale F. Eickelman, Middle East Studies Association Bulletin 1998
"This candid, timeless video documentary presents Marrakech’s famous square as a meeting ground for history and cultures… enriches the viewer’s understanding of public places in general...the film has proven an excellent classroom resource." Saudi Aramco World, 2005
"Imparts a rich understanding of the Djemaa el-Fna as a social meeting ground for innumerable points of view." - Aramco World
"The film blends the tourist's 'gaze' with that of Moroccans earning their livelihood in the plaza...By allowing tourists to speak about what they see and English-speaking Moroccans to talk about what they see elsewhere, Montgomery avoids the cliches of travel videos and ethnographic films of an earlier era." Dale F. Eickelman, Middle East Studies Association Bulletin 1998
"This candid, timeless video documentary presents Marrakech’s famous square as a meeting ground for history and cultures… enriches the viewer’s understanding of public places in general...the film has proven an excellent classroom resource." Saudi Aramco World, 2005
Silver Award, WorldFest, Houston, 1995
Middle East Studies Association, 1995
Director's Choice, Atlanta Film & Video Festival, 1995
Museum of Modern Art, What's Happening? series, 1995
Middle East Studies Association, 1995
Director's Choice, Atlanta Film & Video Festival, 1995
Museum of Modern Art, What's Happening? series, 1995
