Excavating the past

I'm starting the process of developing The Ogress of Fez, and I've decided to keep a detailed record of this journey through my blog.

This documentation will cover everything from the initial concept to, hopefully, the completion of the film. It's meant to be a personal archive of the progress made, challenges faced, and milestones achieved. Additionally, I hope it serves as a valuable resource for other filmmakers on their own creative paths.

The story at the heart of this project is as sensational as it is complex: a powerful madame turned serial killer in 1930s Morocco. The challenge lies in stripping back the layers of sensationalism to reveal the essential elements of the narrative, prompting deep reflection on themes like identity, power, and colonialism's lasting impacts.

My interest in this project extends to learning about the historical backdrop against which it's set. Diving into academic research, I aim to understand not only the significant events of the time but also the everyday lives of people. Questions about daily routines, the running of such an establishment, and the broader social context are central to weaving a narrative that's both engaging and authentic.

This blog will detail the process of distilling a complex, layered story into a narrative that's accessible yet thought-provoking. My hope is to the right balance in portraying Oum Hassen - not necessarily making her actions sympathetic but providing a context that makes outright condemnation more challenging, to present her as a product of her environment and experiences, shaped by a historically tumultuous period.

Join me as I navigate through the development of this film, sharing insights and reflections along the way…