Kasbah Films nabs Irish psychological thriller “Morocco”December 8, 2014 - 11:44 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Karim Debbagh’s Tangier-based Kasbah Films has boarded “Morocco” a psychological thriller set against the blackdrop of the 2008 economic meltdown, Variety reported. Pic is written and directed by Nicky Gogan and Paul Rowley, the duo behind the documentary features “Seaview” and “Build Something Modern.” Told over 72 hours, “Morocco” turns on Simon Collins, a wealthy Irish property developer who travels undercover to North Africa on the eve of the financial collapse of 2008 to embezzle funds from his company before it collapses. But Simon’s plans unravel as he comes across Karim, a local property developer and shrewd businessman who quickly discovers the scam and sets off to give Simon a lesson. Kasbah, a well-established production outfit with offices in Germany and Morocco, will co-produce the film with Gogan and Rowley’s Irish shingle Still Films and Dublin-based Blinder Films. Moroccan actor Driss Roukhe, whose credits include “Traitors,” “Babel” and “Green Zone,” will star as Karim. The producers are currently casting Simon’s character. Debbagh said the project has obtained U.K. funds and is now ready to apply for Moroccan subsidies. A German co-producer will soon join the project as well. Gogan, who worked as an editor on “Last Hijack,” said Morocco’s style is “inspired by much of the cinema of paranoia of the early 1970s,” and cited “Don’t Look Now,” “The Passenger” and “The Parallax View.” While it’s not a political film, “Morocco” also touches on white-collar crimes, deep-rooted racism and xenophobia. Kasbah recently co-produced “A Hologram for the King” with Tom Hanks and led-produced Sean Gullette’s “Traitors” as well as Fyzal Boulifa’s short film “The Curse,” which won Directors’ Fortnight’s top prize in 2012. Top stories The creative crew of the Public TV had chosen 13-year-old Malena as a participant of this year's contest. She called on others to also suspend their accounts over the companies’ failure to tackle hate speech. Penderecki was known for his film scores, including for William Friedkin’s “The Exorcist”, Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining”. The festival made the news public on March 19, saying that “several options are considered in order to preserve its running” Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. |