“Moroccan Refusal and Algerian Support: How the Film ‘Goat’s Life’ Became a New Flashpoint Between Algeria and Saudi Arabia?”
Morocco firmly rejected granting permission to shoot the Indian film “Goat’s Life” on its soil, considering that the film deliberately distorts the reputation of Saudi Arabia, a strategic and fraternal ally in the region. This Moroccan stance comes at a critical time when Saudi Arabia is facing attacks from various entities hostile to Islam and the Qibla of Muslims, which underscores the importance of Arab support for the kingdom.
Algeria: An Alternative Cinematic Destination to Bolster Its International Standing?
On the other hand, Algeria saw an opportunity in this film to bolster its position as a cultural and cinematic competitor to Morocco, accepting the film’s production on its territory and even financing it. It appears that Algeria is seeking to exploit this situation to enhance its standing on the international stage, ignoring the religious and political dimensions associated with the attack on the land of the two holy mosques.
"Moroccan Ban and Algerian Support: How Did the Film 'The Goat's Life' Become a Focal Point of Conflict Between Algeria and Saudi Arabia?" pic.twitter.com/7oWBBXlIDp
— Diplomatique.ma الدبلوماسية (@diplomatique_ma) August 24, 2024
Ouarzazate vs. Algeria: An Attempt to Outshine the ‘Hollywood of Africa and the Arab World’
Algeria’s acceptance of the shooting of “Goat’s Life” on its soil was not an ordinary step; it was part of its ongoing efforts to present itself as a cultural and cinematic alternative to Morocco, known for its vast studios in Ouarzazate, which are among the most important cinematic sites in Africa and the Arab world. This Algerian move, which completely disregards the sensitivity of the issue for the Islamic world, reflects its political and cultural ambitions at the expense of Muslim unity and solidarity.
What many might not know is the film’s shooting locations. Initially, the film was shot in Jordan, a country that has made hosting foreign film productions a national strategy, similar to Morocco’s efforts to build a real film industry. Jordan’s diverse landscapes, which appeal to directors and producers, and the substantial support provided by Jordanian authorities, particularly through the Royal Film Commission, played a significant role in attracting cinematic productions.
Questions to Consider:
- Does Algeria’s support for the film deal a blow to Algerian-Saudi relations?
- How does this cultural rivalry impact the political balance in the region?
- Can Morocco’s stance be seen as a diplomatic move to protect the interests of the Islamic world?
Through this lens, it becomes clear that Algeria is seeking to politicize art and culture to achieve international gains at a time when the Islamic world needs greater solidarity to face common challenges.
