#TeamHaringey6 Creative Students go to Marrakech Film Festival

Featured News / 18 December

#TeamHaringey6 UAL, BTEC and A Level Media students took a trip to the Marrakech Film Festival - only five months after uttering the throwaway line, "wouldn't it be cool if we took the kids to the Marrakech Film Festival",

On route to Morocco they went!

They visited the frenetic Jem El-Fnaa square - from the privileged position of the second-floor roof terrace they dined on.

In the restaurant most of the group experienced Moroccan cuisine for the first time. For some, it would be their last! In a place where crossing the road is an event, they stepped out from the comfort of the restaurant and braved the bikes, snake charmers and street hawkers, before bedding down for the night.

Their teachers #B and Chris explained...On Sunday morning we gained our first taste of the film festival, joining a conversation with the acclaimed actor Willem Defoe, who shared details of his cinematic journey, often working with the world's great auteurs, such as Lynch, Scorsese & Ferrer. After a quick bite, we snaked our way through the maze-like streets of the cities Medina, on route to the aesthetically sumptuous 16th century Ben Youssef Meddrasa, one of the cities architectural gems. On our return to the hotel for a well-deserved pit-stop, our cohort haggled with great success, humour and confidence, as they bought their way through Marrakech's famed souks like seasoned pros.

Dressed to impress, we then took to the red carpet at the Palais des Congres for the African premier of Me Captain, a profoundly stark, moving and achingly beautiful film about the devastating journey to Europe taken by two Senegalese teenagers. Moved to tears, we came away shell-shocked, aware that we had experienced something of tragic relevance in our dispassionate times. Rishi Sunak's pledge to 'stop the boats', rendered absurd and offensive. Human suffering on this scale should never be an opportunity for political point-scoring.

On our last day, we took to the Agafay desert for quad biking, a camel ride, a musical performance and fire show, as well as a three-course meal under the stars. Amazingly, only one of us fell from a camel (fortunately in comical fashion). Unfortunately, it wasn't miss B!

Quote from Chris Brown, Media Studies teacher:

Our students embraced the chaos of Marrakech head on. I was astounded by their confidence, bravery and desire to make the most of every experience. They shied away from nothing. It was a transformative experience for many of our learners and something they'll never forget. Their sense of joy, curiosity and wonder was palpable. They are more than great students, they are great people. After spending time with them outside the classroom for four days, I am more confident than ever that our young people will go on to have fulfilling, happy and successful lives. They are ready for the world. I'm immensely proud of them.

Quote from Maria Josu, BTEC Media Student

The trip to Marrakech can't be described in words. We had an adventure and the film-festival was great. I can't say what I liked most about the trip as we did so many different things. The trip helped us get closer to the teachers and students from other media courses. We made new friends, amazing memories and shared lots of jokes!

Quote from Rux Malcini, BTEC Media student

I thought the Marrakech trip was a wonderful experience. I got to see so many new things and make so many amazing memories with my peers while also getting incredible opportunities to experience a film festival. I got to see Willem Dafoe and watch a truly moving film called Io Capitano, which left me emotionally changed forever.

Check out the gallery to see some of the amazing sights #H6Experience

Amazing #TeamHaringey6 never sleeps on an opportunity as we strive on building up on our students #H6Experinece - this is why we are #MoreThanACollege and our students continue to #DiscoverTheDifference