ARTS MAKING IMPACT
MOROCCO
Lead your students on a documentary tour of Morocco: immersing in the culture of Marrakesh while telling the stories of local changemakers.
This documentary field study offers a unique opportunity for your students to explore the intersection of art, culture, and social impact, all while gaining hands-on experience that goes beyond traditional learning.
Under your guidance and the support of our Actuality team on location, students will collaborate with a local arts organization to create a documentary that highlights the transformative role of art in the community. This is a chance for them to step out of the classroom and into real-world storytelling, where their work has tangible impact.
Students will experience the excitement of Marrakesh through responsible tourism activities that showcase the city’s most compelling cultural landmarks. These experiences are designed to deepen their understanding of the region’s heritage and social dynamics.
DESTINATION
COMMUNITY
Marrakesh, Morroco is a city where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly, making it an ideal destination for a study abroad program that encourages students to explore global cultures and social impact. Known for its bustling souks, stunning architecture, and vibrant arts scene, Marrakesh offers students a unique opportunity to dive into the heart of Moroccan culture.
Marrakesh’s rich history and dynamic community life create a perfect setting for students to engage with complex cultural identities and witness the impact of grassroots efforts. This experience not only broadens their understanding of global issues but also fosters critical thinking and cross-cultural communication skills that will serve them in any future career.
DOCUMENTARY
PROCESS
The documentary project is the centerpiece of this week-long trip, providing students with the chance to learn and practice ethical, collaborative documentary production. This experience teaches both the technical aspects of filmmaking and photography and emphasizes the importance of storytelling within a community context.
Students can choose to engage in either a group video project or individual photography projects, both following a similar storytelling process. Whether they choose video or photography, the focus remains on ethical storytelling, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity.
Workshop – The project starts with a comprehensive workshop that introduces the stages of documentary production, covering key milestones and best practices. This ensures that all participants are well-prepared for their chosen roles.
Research – After the workshop, students will conduct field research, meet with collaborators, build relationships, and plan their projects. This phase is essential for ensuring that the stories are told accurately and respectfully.
Production – As the project continues, students in the video project will conduct interviews and gather visuals, refining their camera and audio skills. Photography students will focus on creating impactful images that tell a compelling story.
Editing – Students in the group video project will create a “paper cut,” outlining the documentary’s structure and flow, guiding the editing process. While the students are on a 1-2 day excursion, a member of the Actuality team will edit the video, creating a rough cut. Upon returning, students will review the rough cut, offer feedback, and gain insights into the editing process. Photography students will also finalize their work during this time.
Screening – The project concludes with a community screening where both the group video and individual photography projects are presented.
This experience goes beyond filmmaking, fostering ethical collaboration, developing practical skills, and using storytelling to connect with and contribute to the community. Students will gain a deeper understanding of documentary work and the impact of their creative efforts.
EXCURSION
OPTIONS
OLD MEDINA WALKING TOUR
A knowledgeable guide leads the way through maze-like alleys, offering insights into the city’s rich history and culture.
ROYAL PALACES + TOMBS TOUR
Some of Marrakesh’s most iconic historical sites: Bahia Palace, El Badi Palace and the Saadian Tombs.
ATLAS MOUNTAINS + BERBER VILLAGE
Explore the breathtaking Atlas Mountains while visiting a traditional Berber village.
HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE
A breathtaking hot air balloon ride over Marrakesh and its surrounding landscapes.
AGAFAY DESERT CAMP + CAMEL RIDE
Explore the rugged Agafay Desert by camel, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars with Berber music, and end the day with an overnight stay in a serene desert camp.
DUNE BUGGY DESERT RIDE
Add a dose of adrenaline to their trip with a thrilling dune buggy ride through the rocky terrain of the Agafay Desert, offering an exciting and scenic half-day adventure.
DAY TRIP TO ESSAOUIRA
Essaouira provides a tranquil escape from the bustle of Marrakesh, with its breezy coastal vibe, serene beaches, and a more relaxed medina, offering students a mix of art, history, and seaside charm.
MOROCCAN COOKING CLASS
A hands-on cooking class, where students prepare traditional dishes under the guidance of a local chef and enjoy a shared meal of their creations.
SUGGESTED
ITINERARY
Upon arrival in Morocco, your group will be greeted by a private driver who will transport you to our guesthouse, conveniently located near the historic old city. After settling in, a local guide will lead us on a walking tour of the old medina, offering insights into its rich history and culture. The evening will conclude with a welcome dinner, where the group can come together and discuss the exciting week ahead.
We’ll start the day with a series of workshops focused on documentary storytelling, specifically tailored to exploring themes of arts, culture, and social impact. These sessions will equip your students with the necessary skills to document the stories of the local organization we’ll be working with. In the afternoon, the group will visit Bahia Palace and El Badi Palace, immersing in the architectural beauty and historical significance of the region, which will help inform and inspire your storytelling approach.
Today, we’ll engage directly with a local arts and culture organization that is making a significant social impact in the community. The morning will be spent learning about their mission, meeting the artists and cultural leaders involved, and understanding the challenges and successes of their work. This hands-on research will provide crucial context for the stories we’ll be telling. In the afternoon, we’ll return to the guesthouse for a group discussion and production meeting to plan the documentary approach, ensuring that everyone thoughts are aligned and they ready to move forward with the project.
We’ll return to the organization to conduct in-depth interviews with key individuals, such as artists, leaders, and community members whose stories will form the core of our documentary. These interviews will help students to capture the personal and societal impact of the organization’s work. In addition to interviews, we’ll document the organization’s environment and activities, further enriching the narrative. The afternoon will be dedicated to reviewing the day’s material and discussing our progress, with a focus on refining our storytelling techniques.
We’ll spend the day documenting the visual elements that bring our stories to life, focusing on capturing the essence of the organization’s daily activities and its impact on the community. This could include documenting art workshops, performances, or community events. After returning to the guesthouse, the group will review the material and begin planning the next steps in the post-production process, ensuring that the narrative is cohesive and impactful.
Today, we’ll take a break from our documentary work to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Atlas Mountains and the Agafay Desert. The day will include a visit to a traditional Berber village, where students can learn about local customs, enjoy tea with a family, and take a scenic hike. In the afternoon, we’ll continue to the desert for a camel ride and a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars, accompanied by Berber music and dancing. The day will end with an overnight stay in a comfortable desert camp.
After breakfast in the desert, we’ll return to Marrakesh. The Actuality team, who have been editing the documentary during our desert excursion, will lead a workshop to review the rough cut. They’ll explain the editing process, and the group can provide feedback, which the editor will incorporate before the evening screening. The day concludes with a screening and exhibition of the completed documentary, followed by a wrap party to celebrate the project’s success.
After a final breakfast at the guesthouse, the group will gather for some brief reflections and farewells, sharing key takeaways from the trip. Following this, pre-arranged transport will be ready to take everyone to the airport for the journey home.
START YOUR
JOURNEY
STEP 1
Schedule a call with us to brainstorm ideas for your trip.
STEP 2
Receive your custom trip proposal ready for University approval.
STEP 3
Get ready to travel the world and inspire your students.
