Interview with the Director Azlarabe Alaoui Lamharzi
How did the idea for the film come about, and as in your previous films, you address topics that are close to your heart: exclusion, difference, and more broadly, the human condition. Why this choice?
My latest cinematic project, AFRICA BLANCA, draws its roots from several sources of inspiration. Firstly, the idea stemmed from my experience in creating a documentary about the plight of albinos, which spanned over five years and is still ongoing. The poignant encounters and testimonies gathered during this project deeply affected me and prompted me to embark on this feature film to delve deeper into the complex issues and harsh realities faced by albino individuals in Africa. Particularly, the peril of persecution and mutilation they are exposed to due to superstitious beliefs. By exploring this theme through the story of Ousmane and his mother Aïchata, we sought to raise awareness about this often overlooked reality and provoke reflection on human rights and tolerance.
Themes of exclusion, difference, and the human condition are recurrent in my films because they are fundamental issues that deeply touch humanity. By highlighting the struggles and triumphs of marginalized or different characters, I aim to foster empathy, understanding, and inclusion. Through telling authentic and moving stories, I hope to inspire social change and promote a world where everyone is respected and valued, regardless of their differences.
As a director, I strive to shed light on subjects that are dear to me. In my previous films, like Androman of Blood and Coal, I explored the consequences of the isolation of a forgotten village in the Atlas Mountains. The film depicts the challenges faced by the women of this village due to their marginalization and lack of access to resources and fundamental rights.
Kilikis: La Cité des Hiboux delves into the human psychology of the guards in a prison for political detainees. Through this film, I aimed to portray the daily life of the guards who, despite their role in incarceration, are also individuals with their own struggles and moral dilemmas. The film also explores the complex relationship between guards and detainees, highlighting the nuances and tensions characterizing this dynamic.
These examples demonstrate my commitment to addressing deep social and human issues, giving a voice to the marginalized, and encouraging reflection on social justice and human rights issues.
Surrounding your Moroccan technicians and actors, you've assembled an international team. Why?
We have chosen to surround ourselves with an international team for several reasons. First, it allows us to have access to a diversified pool of talents, with various skills and experiences, which significantly enriches the creativity and quality of the project. By collaborating with professionals from different cultural backgrounds, we are also able to bring new perspectives to our work, which can contribute to broadening the impact and scope of the film.
Furthermore, engaging an international team can offer expanded opportunities for funding and distribution, opening doors to international film markets. This can also strengthen the project's credibility and increase its visibility on a global scale.
Lastly, working with an international team fosters cultural exchanges and intercultural collaborations, enriching not only the creative process but also the human relationships within the team.
What were the shooting conditions like, especially in the desert?
The shooting conditions in the desert were extremely demanding yet incredibly rewarding. As an African director and son of the desert, I was personally inspired by the vast expanses and raw beauty of this environment.
We had to deal with extreme temperatures, violent winds, and sandstorms, which sometimes complicated the logistics of filming. Access to water, food, and shelter was essential to ensure the comfort and health of all team members. Moreover, the desert presents unique logistical challenges in terms of transportation, equipment, and communication. We had to be flexible and adaptable to overcome these obstacles and maintain the smooth progress of filming.
Despite these challenges, filming in the desert allowed us to capture breathtaking landscapes and create an authentic, immersive atmosphere for our film. It was a demanding experience but also incredibly rewarding for the entire team.
What were your artistic choices?
My artistic choices were guided by our desire to create an immersive and emotionally powerful cinematic experience for the audience. In our film, which is a road movie shot in diverse settings such as the desert, forest, cities like Fes and Tangier, as well as the Mediterranean Sea, we employed the long take technique to enhance the realism and immersion of the viewer in the film's universe.
The choice of our lead actor, who portrays an albino, was not easy. We had to overcome numerous challenges to protect our actor during a very difficult shoot, particularly in terms of safety and extreme weather conditions. This required careful planning and total commitment from the entire team to ensure the well-being and comfort of our actor, while preserving the artistic integrity of the film.
In our artistic approach, we also made sure to integrate symbolic and visual elements to reinforce the themes and motifs of the film, while providing the audience with a rich and immersive visual and sensory experience. By combining diverse settings, realistic staging, and authentic performances, we aimed to create a film that deeply touches the hearts and minds of the viewers.
You have paid particular attention to the soundtrack, can you tell us more about it?
The soundtrack of our film was meticulously crafted to provide an immersive and evocative auditory experience. We not only incorporated authentic African instruments such as the KORA but also explored the richness and musical diversity of the regions depicted in the film, from Senegal to Morocco.
In this regard, we incorporated different styles of music based on the locations and cultures represented. For example, in scenes set in Senegal, we used traditional Senegalese rhythms and melodies, while in Morocco, we incorporated elements of Hassani and Gnawa music to reflect the local culture.
Furthermore, we sought to capture the essence of each region through its music, highlighting the instruments and musical traditions specific to each cultural landscape. By combining these different elements, we created a dynamic and authentic soundtrack that enhances the cinematic experience and transports the viewer on a sonic journey through the landscapes and cultures of North Africa.
Finally, in the final sequence of the film, we chose to use orchestral music to create additional emotional and visual intensity, thus amplifying the impact of this final scene and providing an epic conclusion to our story.
Tell us about your actors and extras, how did you choose and direct them?
The choice of actors and the numerous extras was a crucial step in the creation of our film. We aimed to select actors and extras who not only matched the characteristics of the characters but could also bring depth and authenticity to their performances.
For the lead roles, we conducted a rigorous casting process, auditioning several actors for each role to find the best fit for our needs. We sought talented actors capable of capturing the emotional complexity of the characters and portraying them convincingly on screen.
For the lead role, we conducted casting calls in four African countries - Ivory Coast, Senegal, Cameroon, and Congo - to find an albino actor. However, albino individuals understandably feared becoming victims of albino hunters, making the process particularly delicate. To ensure the safety of casting participants, we had to work closely with the governments of these countries. Eventually, we discovered Ousmane in Senegal, and it was his first film role. His life was extremely difficult before, but today, he has become a star in Senegal.
For the rest of the casting, we also searched for talented actors throughout Africa, notably in Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Mali. Naky SY Savane, a renowned actress in Africa and Europe, also joined the project for the role of Aichta, the lead female role. As for Moroccan actors, we prioritized local stars from Morocco and the Arab world to portray key characters in the film.
As for the extras, we often enlisted local residents from the regions where we were filming, allowing us not only to obtain an authentic representation of local communities but also to promote inclusion and involvement of residents in the film creation process. However, we encountered additional difficulties as many of them were undocumented immigrants. We had to keep them with us throughout the filming period to avoid any legal issues and to maintain the realism of the story. Overall, the African casting process was very challenging, but it was essential to maintain the authenticity and credibility of the film.
In terms of directing actors, we worked closely with each team member to develop their characters and performances. We fostered a collaborative working environment where actors were encouraged to bring their own ideas and interpretations to the characters while remaining true to the overall vision of the film.
During filming, we provided precise guidance and advice to the actors to help them find the right tone and emotion for each scene. We also ensured a safe and respectful working environment where actors felt free to explore and express their creativity.
Overall, the selection and direction of the actors and extras were essential in bringing our story to life and creating a captivating cinematic experience for the audience.
How did you work with the production team to bring your artistic vision to life?
To bring my artistic vision to life, I worked closely with the production team throughout the film creation process. We started with pre-production meetings where I shared my ideas and vision for the film. Then, I worked with the director of photography to define the visual aesthetics of the film, discussing camera angles, lighting, and shot composition to create the desired atmosphere.
With the production designers and costume designers, we developed sets and costumes that reflected the authenticity of the locations and time periods portrayed in the film. I encouraged the creativity and collaboration of the entire team to find innovative and original solutions that would serve the narrative effectively.
During filming, I maintained open communication with each team member to ensure that my artistic vision was being realized cohesively. I encouraged everyone's ideas and contributions while ensuring that the film remained true to my initial vision. I want to emphasize the importance of collaboration with my co-producer, whom I consider both a mentor and an exceptional individual, Mr. Charles Scibetta from RENA PROD. It's the first time I've worked with a co-producer who is not only an accomplished professional but also a person of great humanity.
Mr. Scibetta was a true support throughout the production process. His artistic vision and commitment to the project were a source of inspiration for me. He gave me the strength to persevere despite the challenges, especially regarding the film's financing.
What I appreciate most about Mr. Scibetta is his selflessness regarding money and his passion for cinematic art. He made a valuable contribution to the project not only financially but also in terms of advice and moral support.
Thanks to Mr. Charles Scibetta's exceptional collaboration, the film was able to come to fruition and achieve the success it deserves. I am deeply grateful to him for his dedication and generosity, and I am honored to have had the opportunity to work with him on this project.
I also want to express my deep gratitude to the Moroccan Cinematographic Center for their valuable support, especially through the advance on receipts that helped bring this film project to fruition. Their commitment to the development of cinema in Morocco was essential in bringing this film to life.
I also want to warmly thank the Ministry of Communication, especially Mr. Mehdi Bensaid, for their unwavering support throughout the production process. Their support and encouragement were of great importance in the realization of this project.
I also don't forget the essential contribution of my co-producer, Canal+ International, as well as TV5 Monde, whose financial and logistical support was crucial to the success of the film. Their confidence in the project and their collaboration were key elements of its success.
In short, I am grateful to all the institutions and partners who contributed to making this project a reality. Their support and commitment were invaluable and helped elevate Moroccan cinema internationally.
What message did you want to convey through this film?
The message we wanted to convey through this film is one of resilience, solidarity, and hope in the face of adversity. By highlighting the challenges and struggles faced by the characters, we wanted to illustrate humanity's ability to overcome obstacles and find the inner strength to pursue dreams, even in the most difficult situations.
Through the story of our protagonists, we also addressed universal themes such as acceptance of differences, tolerance, and the fight against injustice. In the end, our film celebrates human resilience and the ability of love and solidarity to triumph over adversity.
More broadly, what is the universal dimension of the film?
The universal dimension of our film lies in its ability to resonate with audiences beyond geographical and cultural boundaries. By telling a deeply emotional and universal human story, our film addresses themes and experiences shared by people worldwide. Whether it's the quest for freedom, the desire to find one's place in the world, or the struggle against oppression and injustice, these themes resonate with audiences of all backgrounds and cultures.
Furthermore, by showcasing the diversity of landscapes and cultures in North Africa, our film provides a window into the richness and variety of the African continent, while also highlighting the common challenges faced by individuals, regardless of their place of birth.
In the end, the universal dimension of our film lies in its ability to elicit empathy, inspire reflection, and promote mutual understanding among peoples, underscoring our shared humanity and common aspirations for peace, justice, and dignity.
Are there any interesting anecdotes or memorable moments you would like to share from the set?
One amusing anecdote from the set involves our director of photography (DOP) coming to me to say that the eyes of the lead actor, the albino, never stopped moving. For him, this posed a problem for focusing and image sharpness. So, we decided to shoot a subjective shot of the albino, our lead actor.
We spent half an hour discussing how to move the camera in sync with the albino's eye movements. Eventually, we decided to go straight to Ousmane, the albino, and ask him. We asked him: How do you see things since you're albino and your eyes never stop moving? Do things constantly move for you? To this, the albino burst into laughter and fell to the ground. After a moment, he looked at us and said: But I see things like you, very stable. This anecdote illustrates the simplicity and humor with which we approached the technical challenges of filming and strengthened our connection with Ousmane, our talented lead actor.
What are your future plans as a director and what types of films would you like to explore in the future?
My goal as a director is to shed light on the challenges and wounds of Africa, while presenting the continent as a place of resilience and potential. I want to address deep and complex subjects that affect African societies, while avoiding the stereotypes and clichés often associated with Africa.
It is important for me to present Africa not as mere folklore or an exotic destination, but as a dynamic and diverse continent with rich cultural heritage and immense human potential. I firmly believe that Africa has the resources and capacity to solve its own problems, and I want to contribute to promoting this vision through my films.
By highlighting the stories and voices of Africans, by exploring the social, political, and economic issues that affect them, I aim to inspire constructive dialogue and encourage awareness of the challenges facing the continent. My ultimate goal is to contribute to changing perceptions of Africa and fostering a sense of optimism and pride among its inhabitants.
Rabat April 2024
