The Hassan II Mosque has challenged artists at all levels, and not just on a technological one, to express the strength of its materials, the harmony of its masses and volumes. And what a glorious artistic opportunity, for this monument is the largest canvas ever offered to the thousands of talented artisans in Morocco.

The decorative work of these artisans acts as a counterpoint to the sheets of marble, creates contrast, breaks all monotony, bears witness to the delicate human touch in such a magnificent project. It's the maalem or artisan who knows, who creates, who guards jealously the secret of rhythm and color which his forebears bequeathed him. It is he who invokes the name of God as inspiration before his first stroke. It is he who turns a simple mosque into a work of art, a place of enchantment.

As early as 1987, the Lumiere Brothers sent one of their cameramen to film scenes from daily life in Morocco. Ten years later, another cameramen from the Lumieres, Mesguich, who later would become famous, brought home in his luggage what he called "slices of life" from Morocco. And thus, cinema began with documentary filmmaking.

World War I complicated everything and it was not until 1932 that the first feature films were shot in Morocco. The first was "Love in Morocco" by Rex Ingram with Alice Terry. Then came "The Five Cursed Gentlemen" by Julien Duvivier, followed by "The New Men" by Marcel L'Herbier and "The Big Game" by Jacques Feyder assisted by Marcel Carne, who later became a great filmmaker.