Fez — Morocco is set to host the filming of “Black Devil,” a high-profile historical epic produced by Dimitri Rassam and directed by Ladj Ly, featuring stars Omar Sy and Vincent Cassel.
Starting this month, the Moroccan landscape will provide the backdrop for key scenes, according to Variety.
For Morocco, hosting a production of this scale reinforces its status as a regional and international film hub.
The large-scale production, with a reported budget of more than €40 million (MAD 432 million), is expected to begin filming in February across several Moroccan locations. Known for its diverse geography and established production infrastructure, Morocco continues to attract major international shoots seeking both authenticity and technical expertise.
“Black Devil” has been described as a sweeping historical epic set in a Europe shaped by war, political intrigue, and shifting alliances. At the center of the story is a resistance figure known as the Black Devil, who rises against dominant powers in a period marked by instability and conflict. The narrative blends large battle sequences with personal drama, positioning the film for broad international appeal.
A paradigm shift
Alongside Omar Sy and Vincent Cassel, the cast also includes François Civil and Théo Christine, bringing together some of the most recognizable names in contemporary French cinema. For Ladj Ly, whose film Les Misérables earned global acclaim, the project represents a step into historical spectacle while maintaining the socially conscious undertones that have defined his career.
The film also marks an important moment for producer Dimitri Rassam, who recently launched his new production company, Yapluka. After building a strong reputation through his company Chapter 2, Rassam is now positioning Yapluka as a platform for ambitious, internationally oriented projects. “Black Devil” is one of the first major titles to embody this strategic shift.
For Morocco, the arrival of a production of this magnitude signals continued growth of its film sector. In recent years, the country has strengthened its reputation as a preferred destination for global filmmakers, offering competitive incentives, skilled crews, and varied landscapes that can double for multiple historical and geographic settings.
Beyond international visibility, large-scale shoots generate economic impact through local hiring, technical collaboration, and demand for services across hospitality and logistics sectors. As filming begins, “Black Devil” places Morocco once again at the center of a major cinematic undertaking, underscoring its expanding role within the global film industry.