Morocco, a nation increasingly at the forefront of renewable energy development, is constructing what is poised to be the world’s largest solar power plant. This ambitious project, aimed at transforming vast swathes of arid land into a beacon of green energy, carries with it a complex narrative of progress, displacement, and the profound human cost of global energy transitions. Belgian director Jérôme le Maire’s documentary, "The Price of the Sun" (Du soleil et du plomb), delves into these intricate dynamics, offering a stark portrayal of the indigenous Berber tribe’s forced adaptation to the shadow of this monumental undertaking. The film, which world-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, scrutinizes the often-overlooked consequences of large-scale renewable energy infrastructure.
The Dawn of a New Era: Morocco’s Solar Vision
Morocco has strategically positioned itself as a leader in solar energy, driven by a dual imperative: to meet its growing domestic energy demands and to become a significant exporter of clean energy to Europe. The Noor Ouarzazate Solar Power Station, the initial phase of this grand vision, is already one of the largest concentrated solar power plants in the world. The ongoing expansion, including projects like the Midelt solar complex, signifies a continued commitment to harnessing the abundant solar potential of the North African nation. These projects represent a significant step towards achieving Morocco’s ambitious renewable energy targets, aiming for over 52% of its installed electricity capacity to come from renewable sources by 2030. The economic and environmental benefits are touted to be substantial, promising reduced reliance on fossil fuel imports and a cleaner energy footprint for the country.
Under the Gaze of the Sun: The Human Dimension
However, "The Price of the Sun" shifts the lens from the impressive technological achievements to the human realities on the ground. Director Jérôme le Maire, known for his observational style in films like "Burning Out" and "Tea or Electricity," focuses on the Ait Merghrad community, a local Berber tribe whose traditional nomadic lifestyle is fundamentally challenged by the construction of these massive solar facilities. The film highlights the ironic paradox: the pursuit of a global energy solution that aims to connect the world may inadvertently fragment and disrupt a society intrinsically built on shared resources and deep-rooted connections to the land.
The documentary meticulously captures the subtle yet pervasive conflicts between the ancient traditions of the nomads and the relentless drive for renewable energy. The press notes for the film poignantly question, "Can there be enough sun and wind for everyone, or is the price too high?" This central query underscores the film’s exploration of resource control and the potential for societal upheaval in the name of progress.
A Long and Intimate Journey: Gaining Trust and Access
Jérôme le Maire’s commitment to capturing the nuanced realities of the Ait Merghrad community is evident in the film’s extensive production timeline. The shoot spanned six years, with 12 two-week stays between January 2019 and September 2025, accumulating approximately 168 shooting days. This protracted engagement was preceded by a year-long investigation around the Noor Ouarzazate plant, beginning in 2017, and further exploratory visits in 2018 to familiarize himself with the Ait Merghrad community and the region slated for the Midelt plant. This eight-year journey from initial scouting to final filming underscores a deliberate strategy of immersion and relationship-building.
Le Maire emphasizes that the cornerstone of his filmmaking approach is patience and genuine exchange. "The secret to making this kind of film is to take your time," he stated in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. "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." This philosophy of reciprocal engagement involved bringing his wife and daughter to the region, demonstrating a personal investment beyond mere professional curiosity.
The trust extended by the Berber community was built on mutual understanding and open dialogue. Le Maire recalls extensive discussions with the tribe about the power station, where their perspectives and his own were openly shared and debated. The nomads, he observed, quickly recognized his genuine interest in their ecosystem rather than solely the technological marvel of the power plant. This recognition fostered a sense of being seen and valued, a rare experience for them when encountering outsiders.
Building trust with the plant’s management required a different approach, rooted in professionalism and established credentials. Le Maire presented his previous works and their successes, leveraging high-level connections. However, he stresses that ultimately, all interactions boil down to human connection. "Face to face, I don’t put on an act. I connect with the person and speak to them very sincerely," he explained. His frank and spontaneous approach even led to a connection with Morocco’s Minister for Energy Transition, with whom he discussed the challenges faced by the ordinary people affected by the project. While a planned visit by the minister to the site did not materialize, the direct dialogue ensured her awareness of the community’s existence and their welcoming spirit.
Cinema Vérité: An Immersive Cinematic Experience
Le Maire’s directorial methodology is deeply rooted in the principles of cinéma vérité, or direct cinema. This approach involves immersing himself in the subject’s world, aiming to become an almost invisible observer. "All my films are made in the cinéma vérité style," he explained. "Personally, I really enjoy immersing myself in worlds that are very different from those I know." Whether portraying residents of a remote mountain village or a surgical team, his aim is to inhabit the community, allowing the audience to experience the environment firsthand.
The filming style is designed to create a profound sense of presence, enabling viewers to feel as if they are "there yourself in the desert with the nomads." This immersive quality allows audiences to navigate the narrative organically, fostering personal connections with characters and encouraging independent interpretation of events. Le Maire deliberately eschews voice-overs or explicit guidance, empowering viewers to experience the emotional weight of the story and to empathize with the characters’ journeys. His core objective is to bridge vast distances, enabling audiences to "put themselves in the other person’s shoes" and potentially challenge dominant narratives.
The Ambiguous Price of "Clean" Energy
"The Price of the Sun" doesn’t shy away from the inherent ambiguities of renewable energy development. While acknowledging the undeniable benefits of clean energy technologies, the film critically examines the imposition of external projects on indigenous communities and the potential erosion of their cultural fabric. Le Maire’s extensive documentation reveals how energy projects can lead to the displacement of nomadic peoples from their ancestral lands, disrupting deeply ingrained ways of life.
The film prompts a philosophical inquiry into the very notion of "clean" energy. Le Maire argues that such energy is often marketed as a guilt-free solution to our consumption habits, encouraging continued overreliance on technology. He posits that true sustainability lies not in the source of energy, but in the reduction of consumption. "But what this film, in essence, shows is that clean energy does not exist," he stated. "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 highlights the often-unseen human element behind our energy consumption. Every kilowatt-hour generated, whether from solar panels or electric vehicles, has a consequence for individuals at the other end of the power grid. Le Maire emphasizes that this is not about inducing guilt but fostering awareness and a sense of responsibility for our collective impact.
Confronting Danger: The Lead Mines
One of the most harrowing aspects of "The Price of the Sun" emerges from le Maire’s courageous filming within hazardous lead mines. These environments are described as extremely dangerous, with unsupervised operations and workers lacking basic safety equipment. The film depicts a stark reality where a few dozen impoverished individuals engage in this perilous work, relying on their courage and mutual solidarity.
Le Maire recounts the intense personal experience of descending into these mines alone, accompanied only by the miners, as his sound engineer and assistant director hesitated due to the inherent risks. "These were intense moments because at that point, I was completely united with them," he recalled. "We helped each other; we each had a goal, but the path we were taking was the same." The resulting scenes are lauded for their raw authenticity and powerful imagery, capturing the visceral descent into the earth. The narrative of Aziz, a former shepherd now working as a miner, profoundly moved le Maire, underscoring his hope that the film can contribute to improving his situation.
A Solitary Path Forward
Following the demanding and introspective journey of "The Price of the Sun," Jérôme le Maire is embarking on a project of stark contrast: a solo trek across the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco on foot, accompanied only by a mule. This expedition, anticipated to last several months, is a deliberate effort 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!"
The thousand-kilometer journey along the mountain range, dotted with remote villages seemingly untouched by time, offers a profound opportunity for personal reflection and a deeper connection with a different pace of life. Le Maire contemplates the possibility of documenting this solitary adventure, potentially leading to another film. This next chapter signifies a continued dedication to exploring human resilience, the complexities of existence, and the search for meaning away from the clamor of globalized society and its insatiable demands.
