As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the works of visionaries like Kurosawa and the Coen Brothers, I eagerly await Walid Messnaoui‘s debut feature “The Last Beast of Atlas.” Having been captivated by his poignant short film “No Key,” I am intrigued by Messnaoui’s unique approach to storytelling and his ability to weave drama into the most unexpected genres.
After garnering attention with the intense and crime-focused short film “No Key,” which won at the Indie Short Fest and was screened at Fantastic Fest, director Walid Messnaoui from Casablanca and rapidly growing Moroccan production house Caestus Films are now working on Messnaoui’s debut feature film titled “The Last Beast of Atlas.” This upcoming movie is characterized as a mix of twilight Western and dramatic elements.
Among the highly anticipated debuts showcased at the Marrakech Film Festival’s Atlas Workshops, “The Last Beast” stands out as one of the most buzzworthy. This event typically features an impressive selection of films from emerging talents across Africa and the Arab World, spanning a wide range of genres. Notably, “The Last Beast” is one such example.
Caestus Films founders Taoufik Rais and El Mahdi Amsrouy have created ‘The Last Beast of Atlas’, a film set in the core of the Middle Atlas during the 1990s. The story revolves around Boulohouch, an iconic outlaw who, while leading a group of rebels, transforms into both a symbol of liberty and fear.
However, as the story starts to unravel, the true identity of the legendary figure emerges, making it challenging to distinguish hero from villain in a Morocco grappling with traditional values and the advent of a new era,” the summary suggests.
Producers Rais and Amsrouy shared with EbMaster that ‘The Last Beast of Atlas’ explores the myth of Boulohouch, a historical figure who was not only a legendary hunter but also rose to lead Morocco’s most notorious band of outlaws in the Middle Atlas during the 1990s.
Boulohouch is admired as a Robin Hood-like figure by some, while seen as a merciless outlaw by others, reflecting his intricate blend of heroism and wickedness. The movie delves into how societies construct their heroes, ultimately leading to their eventual downfall.
As a cinephile, I’m captivated to share that the movie in question is penned by Smail Mojahid, a distinguished screenwriter and educator who imparts his wisdom as a professor of screenwriting at the ISMAC (Institut Supérieur des Métiers de l’Audiovisuel et du Cinéma) in Rabat.
According to Rais and Amsrouy, “It was only natural for Walid to choose Smail when he proposed creating a movie about Boulohouch. Being from the Middle Atlas region, Smail has a deep personal connection with this tale and its cultural intricacies. His talent for bringing such narratives to life as captivating epics has significantly impacted ‘The Last Beast of Atlas.’
As a passionate cinephile, I’m excited to share that my partners Rais and Amsrouy are set to reveal key elements of our upcoming project at Atlas Workshops. We’ll be unveiling our screenplay, a comprehensive financing plan, and a production schedule. Essentially, these materials will offer a glimpse into the creative soul of our project and our financial blueprint for its successful birth.
Under two film titles – “The Last Beast of Atlas” and “The Nours” by Yassine Iguenfer – Caestus Films is rapidly establishing itself as a significant force in Moroccan cinema. Established in 2019 by Rais and Amsrouy, the company focuses on highlighting Morocco’s vibrant cultural heritage through filmmaking. As they explained, their specialty lies in adapting timeless legends and foundational myths, creating stories with universal appeal for global audiences.
As a movie enthusiast, I had the pleasure of sitting down for a chat with the talented Messnaoui, whose film “No Key” left an indelible impression on me. This poignant portrayal of drug-fueled masculinity serves as a beacon, signaling him as someone to keep an eye on in the world of cinema.
“The Last Beast of Atlas” is described as a mix of a twilight Western and drama. However, I view it more as a single genre where the story revolves around the end of an era – a narrative about decline, where characters grapple with death, obscurity, or their role in a rapidly changing world. Drama often arises naturally from such stories, especially when they depict real people and their struggles. The twilight Western’s focus on mortality, societal shifts, and the impact of legacy makes drama an essential aspect of its exploration.
Are there any “twilight Westerns” that you’re thinking of specifically?
In your movie, you’ve chosen to set the story in the 1990s and mention the “new millennium”. Does this suggest that the Middle Atlas is experiencing modernity? If so, what aspects are involved?
Could you elaborate on your vision for directing the film: What kind of style are you considering?
Read More
- Exploring Mod Support for Smite 2: A Community-Driven Opportunity
- PENDLE PREDICTION. PENDLE cryptocurrency
- How to repair weapons & gear in Stalker 2
- Exploring Brawl Stars: Should We Remove Useless Features?
- The Future of Final Fantasy: Why Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Is Skipping DLC
- SOLO PREDICTION. SOLO cryptocurrency
- Unlocking the Mystery of Brawl Stars’ China Skins: Community Reactions
- Understanding Player Choices in Hades: The Case of Merciful End
- Strinova Tier List. The Best Characters To Pick
- REVIEW: “The Piano Lesson” (2024)
2024-11-25 10:47