Filming Othello, perhaps one of Orson Welles best films, which is no small talk was probably the most insane time of all his film career, which is also quite significant due to the long and arduous process.

This was a production funded by Scalera Film Studios, who at the time, during the first years of the fifties of the twentieth century was the most important studios inItaly, where they made the best films of the entire European continent. Exemplary for many reasons, -among them the amazing ability of Welles to alter Shakespeare text omitting an important part of the comical scenes of the play- (“It was a high quality comedy but there was no room for it in the film that I wanted to do … Why should a film get less respect than a play in an opera? “), where the keynote addressed regarding the text was admirably adjusted to media that was then available. From the first time the idea that ​​Welles and the artistic director of the film, Alexandre Taurner, had, was that the costumes of the characters were to based on the pictures by the Venetian painter Vittorio Carpaccio (1460-1525/6), however, upon arrival at Mogador, the city on the Atlantic coast of Morocco where the film would be shot, Welles received a telegram saying that the costumes were not ready and would not arrive on time. And a day after announcing that, some more bay news was awaiting: Scalera was bankrupt.

As they already had the cast, gear, film and cameras, Welles decided to shoot two rolls of film, until he used up all of his own money in a Turkish bath scene (where people do not have to wear clothes) The scenes shot there are still one of the most memorable parts of the film, it would take almost two years to complete them, depending on the money coming in and the dates on which the actors were available, and which was shot in nine different locations in Italy and Morocco, starting the myth that Welles took eternity to shoot his films.

Morocco was then almost exclusively, since Louis Lumiere filmed there in 1897, an ideal place for filmmakers, both due to the cheap costs and  the spectacular beauty of its landscapes-

about the radical changes undergone with regard to the North African country’s relationship with the world of film, this event is a testimony of the vitality of the International Film Festival of Marrakech (http://www.festivalmarrakech.info/) in its eleventh edition, chaired by Emir Kusturica (features section) and Sigourney Weaver from the 2nd to the 10th of  December.

This is an interesting and increasingly prestigious event that this year will pay tribute to Mexican cinema, presenting both films of its greatest filmmakers and movies of a new generation of cinematographers recognized by the diversity of their proposals

Paul Oilzum

If you rent one of the apartments in Marrakech around the festival time, do not miss it. It’s a great opportunity to see great films from around the world and see in how Morocco is now a much more suitable set for foreign productions

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Translated by: Marc
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Morocco is a place where mystery is part of every corner, and that’s something that all of us who think that adventure and pleasure go together love. To get to know some small details of Moroccan places where all food lover should live his adventure, we’ll tell you how the local citizens enjoy it.

The first thing that you need to know is that Morocco’s typical food is based on couscous prepared with lamb meat. Couscous is a wheat semolina which is part of the culture of North Africa and it’s cooked every day in its homes. Also, there’s the tagine, which has the name of the recipient where it’s erved, and it can be of lamb meat, chicken or fish. If you like soups, there’s harira, which is prepared with legumes, tomato, saffron, parsley and beef. With this there’s a series of preparations which accompany these dishes.

The restaurant Palais Jad Maha has become a fashionable place among the young people in Morocco. As it’s customary in all restaurants in this city, its decoration is a refined mix of Arabic styles, with low tables on spectacular carpets. Like all the places of good standards, there’s animation with typical dancing, which are the delight of those who go to the Palais, and a club on the lower floor with live music. The food is an ideal mix of Moroccan food and international cuisine.

As a result, we can invite you to enjoy the informal dinners in Djemaa el-Fnaa, the square, which from 7pm installs a series of small stalls where you can try keftas, a type of meatballs which are marinated with fine spices, kebabs, and you can even try this Moroccan delicacy, lamb’s head.

With little refinement, but with the best flavours, you can live the city’s charm and feel the exotic air at affordable prices. Also, you can enjoy the show of fortunetellers, snake charmers, improvised magicians, Arabic dancers and people with monkeys on their shoulders, straight out of the novels, without spending a single cent more than what you want to give these street artists who give life to this magical city.

In this square you can find Chez Chegrouni, a place with local food and prices which range from the daily three course meal to other more elevated ones, but always within reason. It has excellent quick service and it’s a pleasant place where the locals are regulars. It also has a terrace in case you like being in the open air; and the dessert and tea are included with whatever you order.

We would like to remind you that you haggle before making any decision. Remember that in Morocco haggling is a sport which everyone practices, so don’t take pictures without haggling and agreeing a price.

For more information: http://www.jad-mahal.com/palais/

Nancy Guzman

Renting apartments in Marrakech is a privilege which can take you to live the most stimulating story of your life. Don’t miss it!

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Translated by: aleixgwilliam
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The museum inaugurated in 1930 is an exhibit of ancient art and craft workshops, and was given to the Department of Fine Arts to install different types of works of Indigenous Arts. The Dar Si Said Museum’s main purpose is to trace the development of wood in the decorative arts and religious Moroccans.

The museum visit begins in the adjacent rooms by introducing visitors to the knowledge of the different kinds of wood used in Morocco. The Dar Si Said premises were divided between the Department of Craft and the Museum. Almost half of the palace includes the great Riad with four rooms, the small Riad, the two floors and numerous annexes.  The tourists can travel the Moroccan craftsmanship of wood through the ceramics, jewelry and other artifacts from manual labor. This is a true exhibition of Moroccan decorative arts that emphasizes the creativity and skills of the Moroccan population.

The museum is structured according to the destination of the parts. The collection is divided into specialized rooms so the liturgical furniture, pieces of architecture and decoration, tools and of course furniture. While some exhibits dazzle with their decorations, the fineness of their sculptures and creativity, many others appear to be submitted for the sole purpose of creating visual arguments to the diversity of the traditional use of wood in Morocco. More importantly, decorations wooden ceilings beautifully worked, those walls covered with mosaics varied and impressive wooden doors which are very impressive.

The museum displays collections of great interest ethnographic objects all from the southern areas of Marrakech (Haouz and Souss, High Atlas , Anti-Atlas). The bulk of collections comes from Marrakesh and the southern provinces, Tensift, Sub, High Atlas, Anti Atlas, Bani, Tafilalet in particular. In relation to archeology has a collection of Islamic objects. This is essentially a homogeneous woodwork but one can also find jewelry, pottery and ceramics, weapons, carpets and weavings and some other archaeological objects.

There are doors of cedar, almond and poplar wood from other old houses in the city. There is also a wooden chair in which the faithful bride during the ceremony takes place to see. The rooms surround a garden and mainly artifacts from southern Morocco.

The building, richly decorated, reflecting the domestic architecture art that existed before the introduction of the French protectorate. Along the walls of Cortile is a stunning collection of fixtures. Both the jambs of doors and windows have refined decorations and ornaments. Just step on the road to see the city and its inhabitants who have their traditions and their intact culture. At the entrance of the museum, visitors can relax at the foot of the Spanish fountain featuring two majestic eagles with outspread wings.

Location:

Derb el Bahia – Riad Zitoun the Jedid – Medina of Marrakech.

Phone No: 212 (0) 24 44 24 64

Fax: 212 (0) 24 38 95 64

Visiting Hours:

Friday: 9:00 to 11:30 and 15:00 to 17:45.
Other days: 9:00 to 11:45 and 14:30 to 17:45.

Entry Fee:

Adults: 20 dirhams or two euros.

Children under 12 years: 5 dirhams.

John

To enjoy the view of this great example of Berber art, why not rent apartments in Marrakech and yourself experience the beauty and silence integrated in the place itself.

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The festival is established in 1959 by King Mohammed V to protect the preservation of the oral heritage of Morocco. With nightclubs, concerts, shows rhythm, this festival showcases the national heritage and provides an overview of the cultural wealth of the 16 regions of the kingdom, with nearly 500 artists invited for the occasion. This festival is intended to keep alive the traditional music and dance which was added to current musical forms that also belong to the popular culture.

This folk festival is a measure of wealth and importance of popular Moroccan traditions, features dancing, singing and costumes. This true musical festival of mosaic heritage features the singing groups Aisawa of the north-east, the poetry sung by the voices of the mountain south of the Grand, the dance performances of Medium and Large-Atlas, the famous dance Gnawa of Marrakech and ritual dances of Saharan animist cults, which are also the most admired ones.

Orchestrated by the Foundation of Festivals of Marrakech (FFM) in collaboration with several partners, this eclectic colorful event is a great idea to initiative and strengthen the relationship of Marrakech and Morocco.

The one of the oldest cultural events in Morocco will open with a grand parade where artists from all regions of Morocco will perform a show to the delight of onlookers.

The other novelty of this 2011 edition is the creation of an entire village, dedicated to the celebration of folk arts in Morocco. All festival activities will revolve around the nodal point. At the heart of this village, nestled in the lush gardens of the Olive Ghabat Shabab, the festival will offer fans and families the magical moments of music and rhythmic tones that are the readings of rich and diverse Morocco. The Village will consist of intimate scenes and folk art performances, and an enormous stage will be devoted to large-scale concerts.

But this party will not be at the zenith of his influence without the magic of El Badi Palace whose immense courtyard is covered with carpets and traditional decor with endless facet to welcome musicians, singers, dancers, from all over the world where the best performances of seductive belly dancers and Berber musicians would be organized. Huge workshops would also be lead by participating artists.

This event is a testament to the area of ​​cultural diversity. Each region has its own specific expression through its songs, dances, rhythms, poems, costumes, ornaments and instruments. In 2009 over 350,000 spectators had moved for the occasion and again a very rich program is expected this year, with more troops and more shows. The end of each show glows with dazzling and unforgettable fireworks.

Venue:

Marrakech, Marrakech – Tensift – Al Haouz, MoroccoFestival.

Official Contact:

Festival National des Arts Populaires
FNAP
Dar Talib Unité IV, Hay Mohammadi
Marrakech, Morocco
Phone: (212) 44-31-35-72

Festival Dates:

June 29 – July 3, 2011

For more information visit:

http://www.marrakechfestival.com/

John

So quickly book tickets and rent apartments in Marrakech to enjoy the ecstatic panorama of this great event which always attracts tourists beyond the limits.

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Bellydance, oriental dance or Raks Sharki is a discipline which has generated a good deal of interest in the western hemisphere even if it comes from a thousand-year-old oriental tradition. The great sensuality of the dance and its advantageous effects on the female body produce a certain physical and spiritual liberty that has sparked a roar in dance schools, teachers and oriental dancing students.

The story of belly dancing is a little difficult  to summarize, for there are many different accounts about its origins, One of those is that it is born during pre-monotheistic eras in different oriental cultures where fertility rituals with priestess dances took place to adore Isis, Astarté or other fertility Goddess’s. The existing versions differentiate depending on the class of dance or region where it’s from, but it seems that all agree that fertility is one of the fundamental aspects of this discipline. Whatever origin Bellydance may have, the truth is that Raks Sharki trespassed the boundaries of Northern Africa and the middle east during the XVIII and XIX centuries with the Romanic movement. During those centuries  oriental artists would exhibit their music and dances to represent what life was in a Otoman Harem, this way, even if it is an extended and popular practice in western civilizations, its due to an effect of the colonization that would show belly dancers in movies and paintings where, even with its great success, it was criticized due to is “lewd movements” along with the scantily clad and very provocative dancers

Nowadays these provocative and half dressed dancers called Bedlhah, which is a combination between a traditional dance uniform with burlesque elements and fantasy incorporated from Hollywood of the 30′s along those sensual movements attract  many women to practice Belly dancing; on the other hand, the physical and emotional benefits of its practices are many and widely recognized for its a dance where muscular movements are repeated and help maintain flexibility and strength. The workout that the dancer performs with her abdominal and pelvic muscle makes it a recommended discipline for pregnant women as it helps them to have a pain-free labor due to the flexibility it gives the body. It is so beneficial that many health centers and nursery schools have incorporated this discipline in their programs for pain-free labor preparation, specially in Spain

Bellydance is one of the most popular dances in the western world. Its a dance that can be practiced by women of all ages, it increases self esteem and the sexual life of those who learn it and it’s great idea for those that want to feel more attractive and happier with their body, it is also a great exercise to burn calories.

Luz Obscura

If you’re interested in knowing better the history of bellydance and enjoying a wonderful show somewhere original with the best dancers, you should rent apartments in Marrakech now, get your luggage ready and start enjoying the benefits and the magic of this oriental dance.

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Translated by: Marc
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It might not be as known as the film festivals in Cannes or Venice but nonetheless the Marrakech Film Festival is an important event in the film industry, in particular for its political and cultural significance nowadays. Last year American actor Christopher Walken said that it “reconciles world’s cultures. In a world plagued with misunderstanding between East and West, cinema can reconcile diverse cultures, ethnicities and promote understanding between them.”

This year the festival will celebrate its 10^th anniversary and it will launch its first short film contest for students of Moroccan Cinema Institutes and Schools. The competition is called “Cinecoles” and the main objective is to help and bring to light new talents on the cinema scene.

The festival will also pay tribute to French cinema this year. As the birthplace of motion pictures, France had significant impact on the film industry in Europe and the world. To honor French cinema a retrospective of French films will be shown. Previous editions of the festival featured Morocco, Spain, Italy, Egypt, Great-Britain and South Korea.

The festival’s jury always consists of big names in the international cinema industry. This year Faouzi Bensaidi (Actor, director and screenwriter – Morocco), Gabriel Byrne (Actor, producer and screenwriter – Ireland), Maggie Cheung (Actress – Hong Kong), Gael Garcia Bernal (Actor, producer and director – Mexico), Benoit Jacquot (Director, screenwriter and stage director – France), Eva Mendes  (Actress – USA), Riccardo Scamarcio (Actor – Italy), and Yousra (Actress – Egypt) are members in the jury. The president of the jury will be John Malkovich.

From December 3^rd until the 11^th Marrakech will be all about cinema and movies. Rent apartments in Marrakech to experience a beautiful, oriental city like this. Live out your 1001 Nights experience and maybe you are lucky enough to spot one of the stars that will be in the city during the festival.

For more information: http://en.festivalmarrakech.info/

Rings are a common form of adornment worn by both men and women which are loaded with symbolic value.  Depending on the materials used for them, such as silver, gold or steel, and the finger on which they are worn, they can say a lot about someone’s taste and social status. For example: in many places, engagement rings  are worn on the right ring finger, and then moved to the left following marriage or vice versa. This is especially true for Christian couples, for whom the rings symbolize unity and loyalty this belief is shared by almost all Western societies.

On the other hand, there are also some shared beliefs that are related to palmistry and the energy we have in the right hand and left. All these elements are considered by people when they choose jewellery. What is also clear is that it is no coincidence that when we choose a large silver ring with a black stone like onyx or a small gold one with a crystal stone, we are evincing very different stylistic and personal choices.

The jewellery we choose, as noted earlier, rather than combining with our clothes, combines with our personality. They are accessories that enhance our personal appearance and more clearly define us to others. It’s a good bet that someone with a pendant hanging and silver rings in the shape of runes tells us that we are probably in front of a person who is attracted to the esoteric side of things and may believe in the totemic power of jewellery, while someone with the typical pearl earrings, fine gold rings and a delicate gold pendant, might be a rather conservative person, all clear, according to all appearance to show us that person. One thing is clear; whatever jewellery you choose should flatter you and make you feel good. The same way that wear you go on vacation says something about you, your jewellery can make a statement. Rent apartments in Marrakech, and let yourself be seduced by the jewels of Morocco.



Find out more about Sexual problems and when it’s necessary to see a specialist, who might be able to give solutions for problems like erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation

Sexual problems are a major worry and even harder to cope with when they pop up in our lives. The biggest problem is often just accepting the problem, but like with all problems, you must be able to recognize that something is wrong first to get the help you need. The next step is talking to your partner and then seeking professional help if you need it.

Why do men have erectile dysfunction and suffer premature ejaculation? Why is low libido a common complaint among women? The worst mistake we can easily fall into is thinking that these problems will never happen to us. Let’s face it, everyone will grow old and infirm including us and sexual problems, like many other health problems are par for the course. The best thing to do is prepare you for the eventuality of these problems and know what to expect to be able to face the handicaps.

How can you know if your partner is suffering from one of these problems? The proof is in the pudding as they say, and if night after night you hear the clichéd “Honey, my head hurts.” it just might mean something is wrong. There are basically two ways to respond: either reluctantly go to bed and wait for better luck another night or “confront” the problem.

Confronting the problem can lead to a better sex life. For example, in many cases, a woman may feel diminished sexual desire for her partner not because the love is finished, but because the sexual relationship has become monotonous. The solution in this case? Discover alternatives: new positions, new lifestyles, new locations … A good idea is to plan a romantic getaway, for example, rent one of the many apartments in Marrakech and unleash the passion. The important thing is to tackle the problems head on… like everything in this life. If that doesn’t fix the problem, consider consulting a professional about your problem

Many a time we’ve dreamed of being somebody else. When we were young when people asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up, we always said: firemen, astronauts or other jobs which require wearing a uniform. The uniform is key here, for some reason, uniforms inspire quite a passion in certain segments of the population. Policemen with their caps, badges, pistols and nightsticks. These accessories are object of hour after hour of erotic contemplation. And the list doesn’t end with policemen, it has hardly just begun. Erotic costumes have something special, and if you know how to use them correctly you will make your partner see the stars.

It’s clear that the main purpose of an erotic costume is to seduction. It’s all about taking what could be an everyday moment and turning it into something special. To keep this moment alive forever in their mind, care must be taken to choose an adequate and exciting costume. In the first place, it’s very important to know the fantasies and passions of the person you would like to offer this aforementioned gift of experience. Nest step is to find a costume with the least fabric possible, and accessories which are interesting, but not too interesting: the goal is to get him to play with us, not the toys. It’s important to keep in mind, the costume is just the wrapping paper, and the most important gift is what’s inside.

It’s important to look for a costume which is not just to your partner’s liking, but also comfortable for you. You don’t have to abandon sensuality, and it’s important to keep in mind that a costume which restricts your movement is not particularly sexy or practical. The last thing you want to feel whiles dressed as a policewoman is that you are the prisoner. Though uniforms may be a popular fetish, lately there has been a resurgence of interest in typical regional dress or historical costumes as fetish wear, like for example, putting on an old riding frock or a comfortable and sensual traditional silk Kaftan from Marrakech.

The best way to experience it is to go there for you, and loose yourself among the swirl of customs, people and culture. Loose yourself in the winding streets, colourful shops and markets, and act as if you were just another resident. The best way to enjoy a city is blend in, and integrate yourself with those who live there. A great way to do this is renting apartments in Marrakech, so you can enjoy the freedom of having your own sensual cushions.

When I was teen, I often asked myself the word personality meant. I still don’t completely understand the concept, although my studies of art and literature have given me some clues. Famous artist Marcel Duchamp had a double that he christened Rrose Sélavy, Andy Warhol loved to disguise himself in drag and many writers have used their fiction as an escape where they could bring their alter egos to life. All told, it’s quite an interesting theme.

We won’t refer to schizophrenia or things like bipolar disorder, because these are related with other facets of human psychology. When I refer to having a double, I refer to the idea of having another identity which has been created to allow for observation and self-examination of the multiplicity of one’s personality. Artists and other creative types are in my opinion, the best impostors, because they must accept their internal conflicts and diversity of feeling, and often, the main themes in their work are inspired by this process of reflection and resolution.

For example, take the case of Rrose Sélavy – moniker which sounds like the French aphorism Eros c’est la vie- by Marcel Duchamp, father of the Ready-Made in art. If you look for this woman on the web, there is even a wikipedia profile of the woman, with photos of Duchamp in drag. This feminine alter ego was pretext for all sorts of Dadaistic explorations and poetic games. The famous “Urinal” (1917) which widened the definition of art was signed R.Mutt, another of the many pseudonyms behind which Marcel Duchamp hid.

Two people in one

Another avenue of expression is the costume, the idea of putting oneself in another’s shoes, like in the case of Andy Warhol’s self portraits as a drag queen. American artist Cindy Sherman is also fascinated by costumes, and being another person in another time. Here we a see a fascination with costumes, and inhabiting other eras. This physical metamorphosis is not just about identity politics, it embarks on existential questions as well.

Today, many journalists take advantage of blogs as a platform to express the double they have inside. They hide behind another image so as to not sully their image, and express their opinion about things which perhaps their bosses might not like so much or things would never dare write about without a mask of anonymity.

There are people who dream of taking on another name, career or lifestyle. Others have two completely different lives, and live everyday with conflicting behaviours and contradictory instincts. A different being lives inside struggling to get out…

Our fantasies are both revealing and exciting. Don’t think twice about spending a few days in Morocco listening to your most hidden instincts. Rent affordable and comfortable apartments in Marrakech, and realize that part of the beauty of this world is to find the unity in multiplicity.