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Chefchhaouen
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Chefchaouen Cat
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Riad Salem Fes
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Sahara
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Making Friends in Marrakech
Journey Through Morocco
In the spring of 2023, my family and I spent ten days touring Morocco. We people-watched in Casablanca, witnessed a breathtaking sunset over Chefchaouen, re-discovered century-old trades in Fes, camped under the stars in Berber tents in the Sahara, and racked up countless steps navigating the chaos of Marrakech.
At the time, my gear was limited to just an iPhone and a GoPro—no drone, since they’re banned in the country. But I’ve always stood by Rooster’s mindset from Top Gun: “It’s not the plane, it’s the pilot.” That belief has given me the confidence to create, no matter the budget or setup. So, even without the perfect tools, I trusted that a strong edit could bring everything to together. While I was confident in my ability to craft a story, I still found myself wondering, what was that story supposed to be?
Since this was a family trip, I didn’t have the usual social interactions to lean on for footage. On top of that, our itinerary was more focused on learning than adventure—which made editing a challenge. My filmmaking style thrives on energy and movement, and this trip didn’t deliver much of that. I needed to rethink my approach. I didn’t want to exaggerate moments, but I also didn’t want to be ungrateful or dismissive of Morocco’s richness. After months of trial and error, and more than a few re-edits, I finally found the balance.
Little did I know that an honest recollection of my travels would lead to an honest reflection of myself. I’ve received a lot of positive reception for this movie and I’m honored that my message has resonated with so many people.
x RJA