projectqafila
As a continuation of our practical research on caravans (in the framework of Project Qafila), we are already working on Qafila Rabiaa: Episode 1.
The first episode will be a short trek of 7 days (90 km) starting near Zagora and arriving to M’hamid El Ghizlane. Dates will be the last week of October or the first one of November. It has been thought to introduce some contemporary artists and researches to nomad life in the Saharan desert.
This is a possible route:
More information coming soon.
Conferencia del pasado 12 de febrero 2019 en el Real Conservatorio Profesional de Danza “Mariemma” de Madrid sobre espacios desérticos y creación contemporánea, basado en nuestras experiencias en el desierto y especialmente con los proyectos Caravane Tighmert y Project Qafila.
Le 18 is an independent culture centre based in Marrakesh. Last week they presented a new publication on contemporary art with contributors that have participated to their multiples art activities. Its founder, Moroccan photographer Laila Hida, asked me to share my research on caravans, in the framework of Project Qafila, but from her own perspective, approaching the narration of my travel story by the fictionality that allows the internet tools.
When I started Project Qafila in 2016 I wanted to use only analog cameras, for pictures and for videos, in order to do not carry extra batteries or a solar charger. For Qafila Oula I used Sprocket Rocket and Lomokino cameras with different Ilford films (Hp5 plus 400, Delta 400 and XP2 400).
Pictures taken with the Lomokino:
Video made with the Lomokino:
In 2017, for Beyond Qafila Thania, I used again the Sprocket Rocket and I tried a 16mm Bolex SBM but it stopped working from the second shot
These are the pictures taken with the Sprocket Rocket using 400 Ilford films:
In 2018, after sending the Bolex to be repaired, I could use it but it broke partially, being able to shot not more than 4 seconds during Qafila Thalitha:
For pictures I used for the first time a Leica M6 with Kodak Tri-X 400 TX films.
QAFILA THALITHA STORY MAP is an interactive map with pictures, videos, texts and the exactly route we followed during this practical research on caravans we develop in the framework of Marsad Drâa. More information: www.projectqafila.com
In October we did Qafila Thalitha, the third part of a practical research on caravans. We walked 330km between Tissint (Tata) and Tighmert (Guelmim) in the Moroccan desert. The logistic was provided by Said Razgui and his brother Mouloud and the nomad Omar came with me.
Us usual we tried several mediums and formats to document the experience. This is the uncut version of the video made with a 16mm Bolex.
More information in: www.projectqafila.com
After Qafila Oula et Beyond Qafila Thania, it is time to start working on Qafila Thalitha (the third caravan) that we will do in October 2018.
More information on Project Qafila: www.projectqafila.com
We are thrilled to announce our new research: BEYOND QAFILA THANIA
Beyond Qafila Thania brings together researchers from Sudan, Morocco, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands ( Amado Alfadni, Olì Bonzanigo, M'barek Bouhchichi, Pau Cata, Laila Hida, Francesca Masoero, Carlos Perez Marin, Leire Vergara and Heidi Vogels) researching in architecture, sociology and the visual arts actively approaching the cultural, social and geopolitical space of the Sahara desert, tracing back the stories of the old caravans, learning about its influence in current day cultures and societies.
Beyond Qafila Thania facilitates an inspiring frame to research on topics such as contemporary nomad culture and architecture, current immigration routes, history of slave trade and knowledge exchange and mobility within the Mediterranean, Sahel and West Africa.
Beyond Qafila Thania will take place from the 22nd October to the 24th November in the provinces of Zagora, Tata and Guelmim in Morocco. It develops through different stages, including research and archiving, site visits, interviews, public events, a nomadic residency in the desert, round tables and a final exhibition.
Beyond Qafila Thania is a project develop by CeRCCa and Marsad Drâa through Platform Harakat, Project QAFILA and Qanat in the framework of Kibrit.
