Ronny Sianturi
Morocco, a nation strategically positioned at the crossroads of Africa and Europe, has embarked on an ambitious journey to harness the immense power of its abundant solar resources. The development of what is touted as the world’s largest solar power plant, located in the arid landscapes of Ouarzazate and expanding to sites like Midelt, represents a significant stride in the global transition towards renewable energy. This monumental undertaking aims to transform vast swathes of previously unproductive land into a vibrant source of green energy, capable of supplying both domestic needs and exporting electricity to international markets. However, behind the gleaming panels and the promise of a sustainable future lies a complex narrative of displacement, cultural negotiation, and the often-overlooked human cost of large-scale infrastructure projects.
The documentary film "The Price of the Sun" (original "Du soleil et du plomb"), directed by Belgian filmmaker Jérôme le Maire, delves into these intricate realities, offering a critical examination of the ambiguities and hidden expenses associated with progress. The film, which premiered in the international feature film competition at the 57th edition of the Visions du Réel documentary festival in Nyon, Switzerland, on Saturday, April 18, 2026, brings to the forefront the resilience and adaptability of a community compelled to redefine its existence under the shadow of the renewable energy revolution.
The Vision and the Reality: Morocco’s Solar Power Expansion
Morocco’s commitment to renewable energy is not merely an environmental aspiration but a strategic imperative. Faced with increasing energy demands and a reliance on imported fossil fuels, the country has set aggressive targets for renewable energy integration. The Noor Ouarzazate Solar Power Station, a flagship project, is a testament to this vision. Spanning over 3,000 hectares, it incorporates multiple solar technologies, including concentrated solar power (CSP) and photovoltaics (PV), with a combined capacity designed to power over a million Moroccan homes. Subsequent phases, like the Midelt solar complex, further expand this ambition, aiming for an even greater energy output.
The allure of these projects lies in their potential to bolster national energy security, stimulate economic growth through job creation, and position Morocco as a leader in sustainable energy solutions for the African continent and beyond. The promise of turning sun-drenched, arid land into a powerful green energy source has garnered international attention and investment.
The Berber Community: Indigenous Roots in a Changing Landscape
The narrative of Morocco’s solar expansion, however, is inextricably linked to the indigenous Berber communities, particularly the Ait Merghrad tribe, who have historically inhabited these vast, sparsely populated regions. For generations, these nomadic and semi-nomadic peoples have lived in harmony with the land, their traditions and livelihoods deeply intertwined with the rhythms of the desert. Their existence is characterized by a profound understanding of resource management and a communal ethos of sharing.
The construction of massive solar power plants inevitably encroaches upon traditional grazing lands and ancestral territories. As the landscape is transformed by industrial-scale energy infrastructure, these communities find themselves facing unprecedented challenges. The film highlights the poignant reality that the very land that sustained their way of life is now being repurposed for a global energy agenda, often with little consideration for the indigenous populations whose lives are directly impacted.
"The Price of the Sun": Unpacking the Human Dimension
Jérôme le Maire’s directorial approach, characterized by its observational style and deep immersion into his subjects’ lives, offers a compelling and intimate portrayal of the Berber community’s experience. Working alongside cinematographer Olivier Boonjing and editor Matyas Veress, le Maire eschews overt narration, allowing the visual storytelling and the voices of the individuals to convey the complexities of their situation.
The film’s press notes poignantly articulate the central tension: "Ironically, the fight for resource control to connect the world may ultimately destroy a society that, by definition, shares resources and is obliged to be connected." This paradox lies at the heart of the documentary, questioning whether the pursuit of global energy connectivity comes at the expense of local communities and their inherent interconnectedness. The film poses a crucial question: "Can there be enough sun and wind for everyone, or is the price too high?"
Le Maire himself emphasizes his endeavor to achieve "precise and intimate observation of these nomads and the values they cultivate, up until the moment they are confronted with the arrival of an unavoidable event that will lead them toward an unexpected future." This statement underscores his commitment to capturing the human element of this transformative period, focusing on the personal journeys and the profound shifts experienced by the Ait Merghrad people.
A Long-Term Commitment: Building Trust and Access
The creation of "The Price of the Sun" was not a fleeting endeavor but a testament to le Maire’s dedication and patient approach to documentary filmmaking. The shooting schedule spanned approximately eight years, from initial scouting in 2017 through the final shoot in September 2025. This involved twelve two-week stays spread across six years, accumulating around 168 shooting days. The initial research phase in 2017 involved a year-long investigation around the Noor Ouarzazate power plant, followed by four two-week stays in 2018 to foster relationships with the Ait Merghrad community and explore the region surrounding the future Midelt plant site.
Le Maire attributes the successful access and the trust established with the Berber tribe to a deliberate and empathetic process. "The secret to making this kind of film is to take your time," he explains. "To take the time to introduce yourself. Who am I, and what am I doing in this region? What can I do for you? Before I say what I want to film, I listen to what these people have to say, where their words come from. And in doing so, I discover myself, too, gradually." He often brought his wife and daughter on scouting trips, fostering a sense of familial connection and openness. The principle of reciprocity, "I’ll show you who I am, and you show me who you are," formed the bedrock of these relationships.
Conversations with the tribe often revolved around the power station, with le Maire actively engaging in discussions about their perspectives. He notes, "The nomads quickly realized that what interested me was less the power station itself than the ecosystem in which it was to be built. As a result, they became part of the story. It is rare for them that an ‘outsider,’ someone who is not one of them, takes an interest in their lives." This genuine interest in their lives, amidst the impending societal shifts, resonated deeply with them.
Building trust with the power plant’s management also required a different approach. Le Maire emphasizes the need to prove credentials within institutional structures, showcasing his previous films and their successes. However, he ultimately relies on genuine human connection. "In the end, it’s always the same: you find yourself face to face with a human being, and at that point, you have to be yourself and clearly show who you are. Face to face, I don’t put on an act. I connect with the person and speak to them very sincerely." This directness, he found, was often well-received in circles unaccustomed to such frankness.
His interactions with Morocco’s Minister for Energy Transition exemplify this approach. A spontaneous and sincere conversation led to a plan for the minister to visit the site and meet the nomads, although this visit ultimately did not materialize. Nevertheless, the direct communication ensured that the minister was aware of the lives of these individuals.
Cinema Verité: Immersing the Audience in Reality
Le Maire’s filmmaking philosophy is deeply rooted in the principles of cinema verité, also known as direct cinema. This approach prioritizes immersive observation and allows the audience to experience the world alongside the subjects, without the imposition of a narrator or explicit guidance. "All my films are made in the cinéma vérité style," he states. "Personally, I really enjoy immersing myself in worlds that are very different from those I know." Whether embedded with a remote mountain village or a surgical team, his aim is to become part of the community he is documenting, allowing the audience to follow his path and experience the world from within.
This method, le Maire believes, fosters a profound connection between the viewer and the subjects. "The audience loves this kind of documentary because a story is told to them and, just like in fiction films, they are allowed to navigate the narrative. They are free to form a bond with a particular character and to think whatever they like about what is happening." The absence of a voice-over empowers viewers to form their own interpretations and emotional responses, creating a more personal and impactful viewing experience. The ultimate goal is to "connect the audience intimately with people who are experiencing very different things thousands of miles away," fostering empathy and encouraging a shift in perspective away from dominant narratives.
The Double-Edged Sword of "Clean" Energy
"The Price of the Sun" critically examines the notion of "clean" and "sustainable" energy, questioning the underlying philosophical dimensions and the often-unacknowledged transactions involved. Le Maire highlights how renewable energy projects, while beneficial in terms of reducing carbon emissions, can lead to the displacement of nomadic peoples, disrupt their traditional lifestyles, and impose cultural shifts.
The film challenges the perception of renewable energy as unequivocally benign. "But what this film, in essence, shows is that clean energy does not exist," le Maire asserts. "It is sold to us as such so that we consume ever more, without a twinge of conscience. Yet today, it has become absolutely vital to take energy-saving measures – both at an individual level and at a public level. We absolutely must consume less. It is the only lever that guarantees 100 percent positive effects for the planet and the common good."
This perspective emphasizes that energy consumption, regardless of its source, has a tangible impact on individuals and communities at the other end of the power cable. The film aims to foster awareness and a sense of responsibility, rather than inducing guilt, by highlighting the human consequences of our energy choices.
The Perilous Depths: Filming in the Lead Mines
One of the most harrowing segments of the documentary involves le Maire’s filming in lead mines, a stark contrast to the sun-drenched solar farms. These locations are characterized by extreme danger and precarious working conditions. "Filming in the lead mines was difficult!" le Maire recounts. "These places are extremely dangerous, so filming there is a very delicate matter. We had to ensure there were no accidents."
The mines are operated by a small group of impoverished individuals who engage in mining without proper equipment or supervision. Despite their familiarity with the terrain, their understanding of the mining process is limited, relying heavily on courage and mutual solidarity. Le Maire describes the intense experience of descending into these mines, often alone with the miners, as they helped each other navigate the perilous environment. "These were intense moments because at that point, I was completely united with them. We helped each other; we each had a goal, but the path we were taking was the same."
The imagery captured in these scenes is described as "flawless," with superb camera work that conveys the descent into the earth. Le Maire was particularly moved by the story of Aziz, a man who had been a shepherd just months prior to working in the mines, hammering away at the rock. The director expresses a sincere hope that the film can contribute to improving the lives of these individuals.
A Future of Reflection and Disconnection
Looking ahead, Jérôme le Maire is embarking on a project that signifies a deliberate departure from his previous immersive cinematic experiences. He plans a solo expedition, traversing the High Atlas mountains of Morocco on foot with a mule. This multi-month journey is intended as a period of personal reflection and disconnection from the rapid pace and overconsumption of modern society.
"I need to recharge my batteries. To reflect on the meaning of life. To disconnect from this fast-paced, talkative world… and from this culture of overconsumption!" he explains. The thousand-kilometer trek through remote villages offers an opportunity to reconnect with a different pace of life and potentially inspire future cinematic endeavors. "Perhaps I’ll take a camera with me and end up making a film…" he muses, suggesting that his artistic impulse may once again be ignited by the profound experiences of his travels.
"The Price of the Sun" stands as a vital contribution to the discourse surrounding renewable energy, urging audiences to look beyond the gleaming promises and consider the complex human and environmental realities that underpin our pursuit of a sustainable future. The film serves as a powerful reminder that progress, however well-intentioned, often carries unforeseen costs, particularly for those on the margins of global development.
