American-Iraqi Film ‘The Eagle’ Wraps Filming in Marrakech

Marrakech just wrapped another Hollywood-level production

Fez– The red city is back on the big screen, this time starring in “The Eagle,” a new international film directed by American-Iraqi filmmaker Frank Gilbert (or Frank Gilbz, depending on your spelling mood).

After several intense weeks of shooting across Marrakech and the scenic outskirts of Ourika, production has officially wrapped. And yes, this one’s more than just a pretty desert backdrop.

“The Eagle” brings together a mix of Moroccan, American, Arab, and European talents in a multilingual cinematic experience that moves between Arabic, English, and more.

The casting alone reads like a passport stamp collection: think Mansour Badri, Iman Mettouf, Iraqi actress Ayar Aziz, Italian actor Gianluca Scotto, and a host of U.S. performers. International isn’t just a buzzword here; it’s built into the script.

Moroccan actor Anas El Baz, who features prominently in the film, described the project as a rare opportunity to dive into a multicultural production. According to SNRTnews, he said, “It’s the kind of artistic challenge that pushes you to shift between languages and performance styles, it’s how actors grow.”

This marks his second experience working with an American crew, following his ongoing role in “The Road to Urmi”, which is still in production.

But back to Marrakech, why do global directors keep coming back? The answer lies in the city’s cinematic charm.

From the old medina’s labyrinthine alleys to the wild beauty of Ourika Valley, the region serves up a film set like no other.

Add centuries of layered history and the ever-iconic North African light, and you’ve got catnip for filmmakers.

In recent years, Marrakech has steadily become a hotspot for international productions, strengthening its reputation alongside Ouarzazate as one of Morocco’s two cinematic powerhouses.

The country isn’t just a stand-in for exotic backdrops anymore; it’s becoming part of the story.

“The Eagle” seems poised to fly far beyond the festival circuit. With its ambitious scale, global cast, and visually rich Moroccan settings, it’s a project that could very well soar into something bigger.

And for the Moroccan talents involved, it’s another step toward bringing local voices into global cinema, not just in cameos, but in leading roles and storytelling.