2026 Faculty Development Program in Morocco Film, Visual Studies & Global Cinema
May 26 – June 5, 2026
May 26 – June 5, 2026
Tamara.Sewell@aramfo.org
Trip# 1075-2026-Morocco
Step into the cinematic heart of Morocco with ARAMFO’s 2026 Faculty Development Program in Film and Visual Studies, an immersive journey through Casablanca, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, and Aït Benhaddou. Designed for faculty in film, media, and cultural studies, this 11-day program blends academic insight with hands-on experience in some of the world’s most iconic film locations. From lectures at Hassan II University of Casablanca to behind-the-scenes tours at Atlas and CLA Studios, participants will gain unique perspectives on global storytelling, production design, and cross-cultural cinematic traditions. Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites that have hosted Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Babel, engage with Moroccan filmmakers and industry professionals, and participate in workshops on filmmaking, editing, and narrative craft. With a balance of academic seminars, cultural exploration, and applied practice, this program offers faculty members the opportunity to enhance teaching, expand research, and bring home real-world case studies that enrich the classroom.
Program Highlights
● University-Led Academic Engagement in Casablanca
Participate in lectures and workshops at Hassan II University of Casablanca to explore Morocco’s cinematic history, industry practices, and global impact.
● On-Site Learning at Iconic Locations
Visit legendary film sets, studios, and UNESCO World Heritage sites central to international film production.
● Collaboration with Industry Professionals
Engage with filmmakers, producers, and location managers active in both Moroccan and global cinema.
● Practical Filmmaking Experience
Participate in student production sessions, shooting in authentic Moroccan locations, and receive feedback from local film professionals.
● Cross-Cultural Storytelling Perspective
Examine how Morocco’s landscapes, architecture, and heritage influence cinematic narratives and attract international productions.
Benefits for Your University
● Academic and Artistic Growth
Provide faculty and students with direct exposure to international film production, narrative techniques, and location-specific storytelling.
● Curriculum Enhancement
Integrate real-world production insights, case studies, and cultural perspectives into film, media, and cultural studies courses.
● Industry Connections
Build partnerships with Moroccan universities, production companies, and cultural organizations for future collaborations.
● Applied Learning
Offer students experiential opportunities through hands-on filming, editing workshops, and industry-led discussions.
Showcase the university’s commitment to global creative industries and cultural engagement.
* Initial Itinerary (Subject to Change)
Day 1 – Saturday, May 26: Departure from the U.S.
● Evening departure from JFK Airport (overnight flight to Casablanca)
Day 2 – Sunday, May 27: Arrival in Casablanca
● Breakfast at the hotel
● Arrival at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport
● Hotel check-in and rest
● Overnight in Casablanca
Day 3 – Monday, May 28: Academic Foundations in Moroccan Cinema (Casablanca)
● Breakfast at the hotel
● Lecture at Hassan II University of Casablanca:
“History of Moroccan Cinema”
● Guided visit to the Rialto Cinema and historic city center
● Evening screening of a Moroccan film followed by group discussion
● Welcome Dinner
● Overnight in Casablanca
Day 4 – Tuesday, May 29: Casablanca → Marrakech → Ouarzazate
● Breakfast at the hotel
● Travel via Marrakech and the High Atlas Mountains
● Stop at Aït Benhaddou – UNESCO World Heritage Site & filming location for Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Babel
● Guided tour: “Architecture and Setting as Character in Film”
● Evening discussion: “From Hollywood to the Sahara – Morocco as a Cinematic Backdrop”
● Overnight in Ouarzazate
Day 5 – Wednesday, May 30: Atlas Studios & the Film Industry (Ouarzazate)
● Breakfast at the hotel
● Visit Atlas Film Studios – one of the world’s largest film studios
● Workshop: “Production Design and Logistics in International Co-Productions”
● Tour CLA Studios for a behind-the-scenes perspective
● Guest lecture by a Moroccan filmmaker or location manager
● Overnight in Ouarzazate
Day 6 – Thursday, May 31: Field Work & Student Filming (Ouarzazate)
● Breakfast at the hotel
● Group project – filming short scenes in historic Ouarzazate locations
● Editing workshop with local media professionals
● Peer critique and collaborative reflection
● Overnight in Ouarzazate
Day 7 – Friday, June 1: Return to Marrakech
● Breakfast at the hotel
● Morning travel to Marrakech
● Visit Cinema Colisée and Maison de la Photographie
● Overnight in Marrakech
Day 8 – Saturday, June 2: Marrakech City Tours
● Breakfast at the hotel
● Guided exploration of key cultural and cinematic sites in Marrakech
● Evening group reflection session
● Overnight in Marrakech
Day 9 – Sunday, June 3: Marrakech City Tours
● Breakfast at the hotel
● Continued tours of Marrakech’s historic and artistic landmarks
● Free time for independent exploration or project work
● Overnight in Marrakech
Day 10 – Monday, June 4: Casablanca & Closing Reflections
● Breakfast at the hotel
● Morning return to Casablanca
● Visit a Moroccan film production company or media institute
● Lecture: “Contemporary Moroccan Filmmakers and the Global Market”
● Closing reflections and networking wrap-up
● Farewell Dinner
● Overnight in Casablanca
Day 11 – Tuesday, June 5: Departure from Casablanca
● Final breakfast at the hotel and check-out
● Departure from Casablanca → JFK
Cost Includes:
● Round trip Flight from JFK to Casablanca (flights from other states can be arranged for an additional fee).
● Hotels in twin-shared rooms.
● Breakfast daily at the hotel.
● The workshops cost at the university
● Organizational visits and educational tours.
● Welcome Dinner and Farewell Dinner.
● Seminars and venue rentals.
● Unless otherwise stated, transportation to and from scheduled program activities is included.
● ARAMFO will arrange for one group transportation to and from the airport at a time when most participants will arrive in or leave the host country.
Cost Does Not Include
- Travel and health insurance.
(can be purchased from our partners here (International Travel Insurance) - Checked baggage fees on any flights.
- Airport transfers for arrivals or departures outside the main group schedule (available for an additional fee).
- Activities or meals that are not specifically listed in the itinerary.
- Tips and gratuities.
The Program Cost is $4,500
Single Room Policy:
Single rooms are available for an additional $600, subject to hotel availability. Payment is due 90 days before departure.
The Program Cost is $4,500
Single rooms are available for an additional $600, subject to hotel availability. Payment is due 90 days before departure.
Funding Your Participation
We encourage you to seek travel and professional development funding from your institution. Many faculty members receive support through internal programs and offices listed below.
- Offices of international programs or global engagement
- Academic affairs or faculty development
- Teaching and learning centers
- Research and travel grants
- Official invitation letter and program details
- Confirmation of invited role such as presenter, panelist, session participant, or workshop contributor
- Itemized cost overview to support internal funding requests
This educational trip may be funded out of pocket or through institutional support. Schools and universities may cover the full cost or offer partial sponsorship for faculty participation.
ARAMFO Payment Plan Options
We believe every participant should be able to travel without financial stress. The plans below provide flexible options to fit different budgets.
Option 1: Pay in Full at Enrollment (No Fee)
- Pay the entire program balance at the time of enrollment.
- Accepted methods: credit card, debit card, ACH, personal checks, and bank transfers.
Option 2: Automatic Payment Plan (No Fee)
Set up automatic monthly or bi-weekly payments with no additional fees. Payments are scheduled until 30 days before departure.
How it works
- No enrollment or plan fees.
- First payment of $300 due within 30 days of registration; credited toward your total balance.
- Choose monthly or bi-weekly automatic payments.
- At least $1,500 paid no later than 90 days before departure.
- Final balance paid no later than 55 days before departure.
- You may pay off your balance early at any time without fees.
- Accepted methods: credit card, debit card, ACH, personal checks, and bank transfers.
Cancellation Policy
- 50% of the paid amount refunded between 100 and 91 days prior to departure.
- 40% of the paid amount refunded between 90 and 61 days prior to departure.
- 30% of the paid amount refunded between 60 and 51 days prior to departure.
- No refund within 50 days of departure.
Tamara.Sewell@aramfo.org
Trip# 1075-2026-Morocco
