With Testament: The Story of Moses, Netflix is attempting to tell the biblical story of Moses. While most of us would already be knowing the epic tale, and others would have probably watched the film Ten Commandments, the new docu-drama promises to explore the life of Moses in-depth and showcase his rise from an outcast to a prophet and liberator of Hebrews.
The three-part documentary series is narrated by acclaimed actor Charles Dance. Since the show is a docu-drama, apart from interviews with experts, it also visually shows the journey of Moses in an engaging way. Viewers can see some epic locations in the series, which makes one wonder where was the series filmed. So here are the details of all the filming locations of Testament: The Story of Moses.
Ouarzazate, Morocco
Testament: The Story of Moses was almost entirely shot in the country of Morocco. The shoot particularly took place in Ouarzazate province in the region of Drâa-Tafilalet in south-central Morocco. Many sequences, including those involving heavy VFX, were filmed at Atlas Studios, located 5 km from the city of Ouarzazate.
The studio has a vast space and multiple sets in a desert location, which enable the filming of historical films. Established in 1983 by Moroccan entrepreneur Mohamed Belghmi, the studio is spread over an area of 322,000 square feet. Atlas Studios provides guided tours every 20–40 minutes, allowing visitors to discover backstage areas, and construction methods, and hear behind-the-scenes stories. The site features workshops and camel stables and is open daily from 9 AM–6 PM, with tickets costing Dh110, including entry to the nearby Kingdom of Heaven set.
Morocco stands out as a prime filming location for various reasons. Firstly, its diverse landscapes offer a plethora of settings suitable for different film genres. From the vast Sahara Desert to the bustling streets of Marrakech, filmmakers have a wide range of backdrops to choose from, providing versatility and authenticity to their productions. Moreover, Morocco boasts a rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels that lend an air of authenticity to period pieces and historical dramas. The labyrinthine streets of its ancient cities, such as Fez and Essaouira, provide an immersive experience for filmmakers and audiences alike.
Also, Morocco’s favorable climate, with abundant sunshine throughout the year, offers optimal conditions for outdoor shooting, reducing the risk of weather-related delays. The country’s well-established film infrastructure, exemplified by studios like Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate, provides state-of-the-art facilities and experienced crew members, ensuring smooth production processes.
Hence, Morocco has served as a production site for several other notable projects as well. Movies like Napoleon, Inception, The Mummy, Black Widow, Death on the Nile, Black Hawk Down, John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, Heart of Stone, The Old Guard, The Hills Have Eyes, and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. Famous TV Shows like Game of Thrones, Prison Break, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Rogue Heroes, Queen of the South, and Alexander: The Making of a God were also filmed in the country at some point.
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