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presents Marrakech starring Mirelly Taylor, Michael DeVous, and Katsy Joiner
a contemporary film noir / an independent feature film written, produced, and directed by Harry Burrus
Marrakech Trailer
**NOW AVAILABLE ON DVD & ON DEMAND** IndieFlix (view clip / purchase DVD) Amazon (view clip / purchase DVD & on demand)
The StoryIn a riveting fractured narrative, newlyweds Arden and Sierra Cole, returning from their honeymoon in Mexico, are stalked by a killer who believes they witnessed his crime. He befriends them and then, in an evil game of manipulation and cunning, applying "21st century technology," the killer sets out to erase any memory they might have of the event. Calla, who amuses herself (and fascinates others) with erotic self-portraits and veil dancing, yearns to escape from Texas to Marrakech. She lives with Ned Prime, a smooth wealthy Texan, who is enticed by her, but cannot possess her. Prime is shadowed by Crockett, a man over whom he has unexplained control. This cast of characters weaves through the Coles' lives as they innocently honeymoon, unaware that they have been targeted by a killer.
The CharactersNED PRIME: Ned is a sportsman, the ultimate predator. Although educated and charming, he possesses a diabolical side. He enjoys manipulating people. He is very self-confident and views himself as quite the ladies man. Ned is attracted to Sierra. Sierra does not buckle to his charm and proves a worthy opponent - as does Calla. He lusts for Calla who lives with him. With each woman, Ned believes he will eventually be victorious. SIERRA COLE: Sierra is a strong, outgoing, and self-confident woman, who is still evolving, testing her way. She and her ultra-conservative husband, Arden, are on their honeymoon when they meet Ned Prime. Challenged by Ned, Sierra responds with sensuousness and flirtation. Her inclination to spread her wings, to be a risk-taker, is encouraged by Ned. In her soul, Sierra is open and trusting, but eventually recognizes deception and manipulation and refuses to tolerate them for long. CALLA: Calla is unique - vibrant - exudes sex - a temptress. She is master at using her unleashed femininity to exploit men who are enticed by her. She has a goal in mind - to leave Texas and go to Marrakech, a city she envisions will uniquely match her exotic nature. She will do whatever is necessary to reach this end. An exhibitionist and incredibly egotistical, she takes auto portraits which she sells to raise money toward this goal. She is Ned’s roommate, charging him for the hands-off pleasure - trying to control him, tempting him, without yielding to his attempts to overpower her and partake of her pleasures. They are very much alike - each trying to be the master of those around them. CROCKETT: Crockett is a somber, withdrawn young man, with no joy in his life, living a robot existence as Ned’s puppet, leverage that is unexplained. Ned exploits Crockett, controls him, manipulates him to do his dirty work and then provide intimate details for Ned’s perverse pleasure. ARDEN COLE: Arden is conservative, easy going, somewhat boring, and trusting. Smitten by his outgoing wife, Sierra, he is in over his head with Ned and Calla. Usually somewhat introverted and skeptical, Arden uncharacteristically falls prey to their charms and the lure of their exciting lives.
The 20 Day ShootComing from San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston, Texas, the cast and crew of Marrakech gathered at a unique ranch in Independence, Texas for the first week of shooting the film. The ranch created the ideal venue for setting the tone for Marrakech. The large field with a pier and pond became the site for Calla's self portraits, the frightening pursuit in an ATV of Sierra by her potential murderer, and the fence-sitting observations by Ned and Crockett of Calla and Sierra. The barn transformed into Crockett's office and into the setting for dramatic encounters for Arden and Sierra. The large, breathtakingly dramatic game room replete with exotic animal trophies on the wall, on the floor, and in front of the fireplace, set the tone of a predator's lair and a perfect backdrop for the evolving events. Four days of the shoot were on location at a local home in Houston, one with a strong Texas theme which also mimicked, but in a lesser degree, the ranch's game room, thus perpetuating the theme of the predator. Three days of the shoot were on location at a motel in the beach town of Galveston. The remaining days were shot at multiple locations in Houston, from a hospital to the zoo, and two bars. And then, of course, Marrakech.
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