FILMING IN DAKHLA
Maroc Film Services provides film production services designed to seamlessly streamline international shoots throughout Morocco, with full-scale operational capabilities based right here in Dakhla.
Dakhla
Perched on a narrow peninsula where the golden sands of the Sahara Desert meet the Atlantic Ocean, Dakhla is a city defined by its dramatic geography and unique historical layers. Located in the disputed territory of Western Sahara and administered by Morocco, it sits along a massive, sheltered saltwater lagoon. For centuries, this unique topography made it a crucial stopping point for nomadic Sahrawi tribes, fishing communities, and seafaring traders looking for shelter along an otherwise rugged, exposed coastline.
The modern layout of the city began to take shape in the late 19th century during the European “Scramble for Africa.” In 1884, Spanish settlement efforts transformed the outpost into the capital of the Spanish Sahara colony, renaming it Villa Cisneros. The Spanish built a military fortress, a Catholic church, and a functional port, using the peninsula as a strategic base for fishing fleets and colonial administration. During the early 20th century, the town even played a brief but fascinating role in aviation history; its remote airfield served as a vital refuelling stop for the legendary French airmail service Aéropostale, frequented by pioneering pilots like Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
Following Spain’s withdrawal from the region in 1975, Dakhla went through a turbulent geopolitical transition. It was briefly occupied by Mauritania before Morocco assumed full administrative control in 1979. Since then, the city has undergone a massive transformation. The Moroccan government invested heavily in infrastructure, turning a quiet, isolated military and fishing outpost into a bustling economic hub powered by a world-class fishing industry and a booming agricultural sector.
Today, Dakhla is reinventing itself as a global eco-tourism destination. Because the peninsula creates a vast lagoon with exceptionally consistent trade winds and year-round sunshine, it has become widely recognized as one of the premier kitesurfing and windsurfing spots on Earth. The striking visual contrast of white sand dunes plunging directly into bright turquoise water draws athletes and travelers from every corner of the globe, blending its complex colonial past with a vibrant, forward-looking present
Pre-Production & Logistics
From the earliest stages of development, we handle everything from script translation to extensive location scouting across the region, utilising our deep local knowledge of Dakhla’s dramatic 40-kilometre peninsula, vast turquoise saltwater lagoons, sweeping white sand dunes that plunge into the Atlantic, and the rugged, stark landscapes of the surrounding desert.
Our production team and fixers navigate the complexities of local bureaucracy, securing crucial film permits and specialised drone permits from the Centre Cinématographique Marocain (CCM) and regional authorities, coordinating directly with municipal bodies. We also manage smooth customs clearance, seamlessly handling carnets and shipping (including ATA Carnets) for gear arriving through Dakhla Airport, ensuring rapid transit directly to your filming locations. To maximise your budget, we provide specialised financial guidance to help international productions efficiently access Morocco’s 30% cash rebate and secure complete local VAT exemptions.
Talent & On-Set Crew
On set, we draw from our extensive national networks and regional production centres to supply world-class casting, talent, and elite technical expertise. We provide professional actors, skilled background talent, and a full array of specialised, multilingual crew members fully equipped and experienced in managing coastal, desert, and marine environments.
Our comprehensive art department brings visions to life with expert scenic design, set construction, prop sourcing, wardrobe, costume design, makeup, and hair styling. For indoor or controlled environments or advanced studio work, we offer seamless coordination with world-class film facilities, complemented by the local area’s unique outdoor backdrops, traditional Sahrawi tents, and distinct coastal architecture.
Equipment & Drone Services
To ensure every frame is visually stunning, we provide state-of-the-art camera equipment, lighting equipment, and grip equipment packages available for immediate deployment anywhere in the Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab region. We also offer professional sound equipment setups alongside cutting-edge, heavy-lift drone hire services, customised for spectacular aerial footage of the world-famous wind-swept lagoon, the crashing Atlantic surf, and the endless desert expanses.
Accommodation, Location Catering & Transport
Our logistical support guarantees the utmost comfort and efficiency for your entire team in unique coastal and desert terrain. We take care of all your crew’s needs on the ground, ranging from mobile location catering to booking premium eco-lodges, luxury desert camps, and high-end hotel accommodations along the lagoon. Operating specialised production vehicles perfectly suited for the region, including rugged 4x4s equipped for deep sand, flexible equipment support trucks, and agile crew shuttles built for desert tracks and coastal roads, we manage all on-the-ground transport logistics.
From pre-production to the final wrap, Maroc Film Services is your trusted, single-source partner for premium film production services in Dakhla and beyond.