Watch Reebok LTD's Debut Film 'New Cavaliers'
With its new film series, Stories of Movement, Reebok LTD is redefining the art of storytelling. The debut film is New Cavaliers directed by French-Moroccan filmmaker Otman Qrita. The film explores the unfiltered beauty of movement through an intimate journey into Morocco's unique horse-riding culture.
Through Otman’s lens, we experience the powerful yet poetic grace of a tradition that transcends time—a tribute to the primal bond between human and horse through an unfiltered portrayal of an underrepresented cultural scene.
In our interview, the filmmaker opens up about his deep ties to Morocco, his creative inspirations, and the emotional turning points that have shaped his journey.
Could you talk to me about your relationship with your home country, Morocco?
I’ve always been very connected to Morocco. It’s my safe place, where I belong. I used to go there on holiday as a kid where I started growing passionate about the horse riding scene, discovering its beautiful locations and falling in love with the light of the sunset. Growing up, I felt more and more connected to the country. My father’s role was very important in this process as he explained to me the country’s positives as well as its negatives, why he left Morocco, and how it has evolved since leaving.
How did you get into your current career? What drew you to this field?
Honestly, it’s a mix between hard work, talent and lots of emotions—I do everything with my heart. I’ve always been taking pictures, simply by reporting my everyday life. One specific episode that sparked it all dates back to when I was around 11. My family grounded me and I spent the whole day recording a horror movie with my dad’s camera—I was a turbulent yet very creative kid. When everyone got back home, my father discovered it and we then showed it to the rest of the family on TV.
From where do you draw your biggest inspirations?
As a photographer, I look toward Peter Hugo and Nigel Shafran. As a movie director, it’s Eric Rohmer.
What do you think of the overlap between fashion and film?
I love it. You have to show products consciously, because often clothes can say more than words. I went to fashion school and what I learned is that how people are dressed has a strong influence on the movie-making process.
Has there been a defining moment in your life that significantly impacted your work?
During the Covid era I had the dream of opening a coffee shop. I left my prior job to follow it but ended up not working out, which led me to depression. After this dark period, I put myself together again and decided to try and implement my passion for photography and direction. And only when I had the confidence to actually go for it was when everything became crystal clear.
What does the word ‘movement’ mean to you?
Movement means being alive.
What is the significance of horse riding in Morocco?
In Europe, horse riding is exclusive to upper-class society. But in Morocco, there’s nothing fancy about it. I rode my first horse at the age of 12, they are simply used by everyone to go to the beach to visit friends and family or even to go on a date.
How has horse riding been woven into the cultural traditions in Morocco?
Honestly, I've never really done any research on horseback riding in Morocco. It was more about a vibe—just a bunch of kids riding horses, like how kids in Europe ride scooters. I also know about a very popular festival called Fantasia.
What techniques in your short films do you use to help elevate movement?
More than a technique, I use a situation. To make this moment magical, you must be conscious of your body and movement. For this project, the situation was horse racing.
Can you share any personal stories or memorable experiences you have had with horse riding in Morocco?
It would definitely be the first encounter I had with the animal—me and my family were somewhere in between Meknes and Kenitra heading to my grandma’s house. I was two years old, and totally obsessed with horses and at some point I started running after one.
Apparently, I followed him for five minutes in the city until someone noticed a two-year-old kid running around alone in the fields.
Is it hard to get horses to ‘act’ how you need them to?
Honestly, it's much easier to get a horse to do what you want compared to a human. The people involved in the project know the animal, so it is easy to get them to do what you want. Those guys know them so well that it wasn’t a subject at all.
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