Orson Welles

In 1948 the film director and actor Orson Welles stayed in Essaouira filming his classic version of Othello which contains several memorable scenes shot in the labyrinthine streets and alleys of the medina. The opening shot of the film pans the full length of the Scala, the great sea bastion running along the northern cliffs of the town. He stayed at Hotel des Iles (built in 1948 by Antoine Marchisio) and in this hotel there is a bar and a suite named after him. It is said that he met Winston Churchill there, who aslo was a guest at the hotel at that time.
In 1952, the film won the Palme d´Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Othello (1952 film)

Orson Welles's bust is located in a small square just outside the medina walls close to the sea.
It is in a neglected state being covered in bird poop, graffiti and with a broken nose. In addition, the dedication plaques has been stolen.

Several other film directors, have utilised Essaouira's photogenic and atmospheric qualities.
For example Billie Augusts: "Jerusalem" (1966),