This untitled black-and-white home-style film depicts scenes across Morocco’s “red city,” Marrakesh, during Ramadan in 1933. The film consists of footage of what appears to be La Mamounia Hotel, outdoor trading markets, portions of the Marrakesh Medina, and finally the world famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. This film was likely shot and put together by a foreign tourist or expat (possibly French) as access to cameras amongst local Moroccans was still limited at this time. Additionally, the person filming seems to always be far removed from the activities of the locals that are caught on camera – such as the outdoor market and the performances in Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. At this time, Morocco existed as a French protectorate known as “French Morocco” which lasted from 1912 until 1956 and was governed by French colonial rule. The protectorate was officially established 30 March 1912, when Sultan Abd al-Hafid signed the Treaty of Fez, though the French military occupation of Morocco had begun with the invasion of Oujda and the bombardment of Casablanca in 1907.
Camera pans lush gardens, interior courtyard of what is perhaps La Mamounia Hotel built in combination of art deco and traditional Islamic architectural styles (0:08). Minaret of Koutoubia Mosque seen in distance, towers over tall trees (0:48). Pool area shaded by manicured shrubs, trees (0:52). Camera pans walls of Marrakech’s Old Medina, small plot of planted crops (0:59). Men wearing traditional djellabas and turbans gather in open square on outskirts of city at outdoor trading post with livestock, horses, camels, donkeys (1:12-3:48). Another outdoor market along the old medina walls, men and young boys wear djellabas, turbans, some men carry rifles over their shoulder; Women wear hayek/haik (white cloth that wraps around the body, head, and face) (3:50). Women, young children, older men lean against basin of water irrigation system leading from medina walls (4:46). Individuals hang off of, loiter on and around 1930s-era vehicles, perhaps French made (4:59). Group of men riding on donkeys, horses pass automobile parked on side of arid plot of land – contrast of old and new (5:29). Perhaps imperial processional – men in ceremonial capes, white turbans, holding swords ride in formation on white horses (5:55). Men sit on straw mats for prayer or religious ceremony in front of what is perhaps an outdoor mihrab (6:51). Men on horseback, passengers back of horse drawn carriages ride out of Bab Agnaou city gate; Gate decorated with inscriptions of Quranic quotations written in Kufic Arabic script (7:31). Procession of what appear to be royal horsemen ride around the outskirts of city (8:01). Tall palm trees, other trees blow in strong winds – perhaps during sand storm (8:33). Aerial views of bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa Square in the heart of Marrakech; Square crowed with pedestrian traffic, men and women stopping at different stalls, observing small performance circles (8:52). Onlookers form circle around traditional Gnawa performance before film footage begins to fade out (10:35-11:00).
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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com
