El Mehdi Kachani: Moroccan photographer preserving heritage through cinematic visuals | 54Ruum

El Mehdi Kachani, hailing from Morocco, has nurtured a profound passion for photography and cinema, inspired by the enchanting art of Halqa storytelling, the intricate beauty of zellige tiles, the grace of Arabic calligraphy, and the rich depth of Aïta music since his early years.

His artistic path is firmly grounded in the cultural richness of his homeland. To hone his skills, he pursued cinematography studies in Ouarzazate, Morocco's celebrated "film city," followed by a Master's degree in Project and Cultural Institution Management in Arles, France—a city famed for its prestigious international photography festival, Les Rencontres d'Arles. The opportunity to engage with world-class photographers and take part in dynamic exhibitions and workshops during this festival significantly shaped his artistic vision.

Today, El Mehdi's photography transcends simple image-taking; each photograph tells a visual narrative where Moroccan and global influences seamlessly blend. Through his lens, time appears to stand still, with every composition thoughtfully designed to inspire curiosity, evoke emotions, and encourage introspection. His portfolio invites viewers on a remarkable visual journey, where each image redefines the world with both elegance and profound sensitivity.

How would you describe yourself in a few sentences?

I'm a Moroccan photographer and filmmaker passionate about capturing human emotion and cultural identity through visual storytelling. My work combines cinematic composition with the poetic spirit of Moroccan heritage — from the rhythm of traditional music to the colours of everyday life.

How did you first get into photography?

I first fell in love with photography growing up in Morocco, surrounded by a rich cultural tradition. I was captivated by the resonant colours of zellige tiles, the storytelling of Halqa performances and the depth of Aïta music. I was fascinated by how moments, patterns, and emotions could speak without words.

My passion truly ignited when I picked up my first camera as a teenager and realised I could translate these experiences into images — freezing fleeting moments, telling stories, and sharing the soul of my culture with others. That early fascination grew into a lifelong dedication to exploring visual storytelling through both photography and cinema.

What type(s) of photography do you specialise in, and why did you choose this niche?

I specialise in portrait, cultural, documentary, and cinematic photography. I chose these niches because they allow me to capture human stories, traditions, and emotions in visually compelling ways. My style has evolved from straightforward documentation to creating carefully composed visual narratives that integrate Moroccan heritage with contemporary artistic influences.

Today, I focus on crafting images that tell meaningful stories, evoke emotion, and connect viewers with the culture, people, and moments I photograph, while continuously experimenting with light, colour, and composition to refine my artistic voice.

Can you share the underlying themes or ideas that drive your photography? How do you use your images to connect with others?

The central themes that drive my photography are cultural identity, human emotion, and the mix between tradition and modernity. I am fascinated by moments that reveal stories — whether in a fleeting expression, a gesture, or the textures and colours of everyday life.

I desire to create a bridge between people and cultures, inviting viewers to feel, reflect, and connect more deeply through my images. Each photograph is composed deliberately, not just to capture a scene, but to evoke curiosity, empathy, and understanding. I strive to transform everyday moments into universal narratives that resonate across borders.

What's the one achievement or moment in your photography career that you're most proud of?

One of the moments I'm most proud of in my photography career was presenting my work in the exhibition IAM at Le Monde de Linaïs in Arles, which allowed me to share my visual storytelling rooted in Moroccan culture with an international audience.

Additionally, I was honoured to receive the Silver Medal in the Editorial category, subcategory Reportage/News, at the Maghreb Photography Awards 2024 for my project Lblida.

This recognition from a jury of professional photographers was gratifying and reinforced my commitment to refining my editorial vision and storytelling. These experiences not only validated my artistic journey but also encouraged me to continue exploring authentic narratives that connect cultures and evoke emotion.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer, and how did you overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges I've faced as a photographer was starting out with minimal resources, including not owning my first camera for a long time. When I finally got my first camera as a teenager, it was both exciting and intimidating — I had to teach myself the technical skills while also discovering my artistic voice. I overcame this challenge through practice, study, and experimentation, learning from mistakes and observing the world around me closely.

This experience taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of curiosity. It also reinforced that true creativity comes from dedication and a willingness to keep exploring, no matter the limitations.

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?

If I could collaborate with anyone, it would be Hassan Hajjaj — the "Andy Warhol of Marrakech." His energetic, playful, and culturally rich photography incorporates fashion, portraiture, and Moroccan heritage in a way that truly inspires me.

Collaborating with him would be an incredible opportunity to explore bold visual storytelling while celebrating Moroccan culture on an international stage. His work pushes boundaries and redefines contemporary photography, which aligns perfectly with my own artistic vision.

What are your thoughts on the 54Ruum platform?

I see 54Ruum as a valuable platform for African and diaspora photographers, highlighting authentic, culture-driven work and fostering a creative community. It offers visibility, inspiration, and opportunities to connect with peers, which aligns with my own artistic vision rooted in Moroccan heritage.

I'd use it to share my projects, engage with other creatives, and explore collaborations that expand the reach of my visual storytelling.

How's the photography and art space in your country? How has it evolved in recent years?

The photography and art scene in Morocco has evolved significantly over the past decade. Once limited in exposure, it now thrives with a growing number of talented photographers, contemporary artists, and cultural festivals that celebrate visual storytelling.

Cities such as Marrakech, Casablanca, and Rabat have become vibrant hubs for exhibitions, galleries, and workshops, while Ouarzazate remains an iconic centre of cinematic production.

Social media and international collaborations have also broadened opportunities, allowing Moroccan photographers to reach global audiences. This evolution reflects a dynamic fusion of tradition and modernity, where artists draw on Morocco's rich cultural heritage while experimenting with new techniques and perspectives.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their photography journey, what would it be?

My advice would be: observe before you shoot, and tell a story with every image. Technical skills can be learnt, but the ability to capture emotion, culture, and humanity comes from truly seeing the world around you.

Take time to connect with your subjects, explore your surroundings, and let your curiosity guide your lens. The more you immerse yourself in life, the more your photographs will resonate with others.