The Call

Overview

Inspired by a visit with Orlando’s vibrant Moroccan community, Central Florida “arts instigator” Terry Olson travels to Rabat to uncover the human stories behind the 1975 Green March—when 350,000 unarmed Moroccan civilians crossed into the Western Sahara, prompting Franco’s Spain to relinquish its colonial claim. Through firsthand accounts and historical reflection, Olson and Moroccan director Ahmed Bouchalga explore the legacy of that pivotal moment and the decades of regional tension that followed. Olson also delves into the enduring, little-known bond between Morocco and the United States, whose diplomatic relationship stretches back to 1777, when Morocco became the first nation to recognize American independence. Timely and illuminating, this powerful documentary reflects on one nation’s struggle for independence amid the global pressures of decolonization, and the lasting lessons that continue to resonate today with those who choose to heed the call of freedom.