Two Belgian bus drivers walk into Morocco... and don't walk out for five years.
In August 1996, bus drivers Marcel Van Loock and Wim Moreels are apprehended by the Moroccan Customs for drug trafficking. Inside their bus, hidden behind a false compartment, they have discovered 700 pounds of hashish. Although the owner of the bus company is arrested as well and makes a full confession clearly indicating that both drivers were unaware of the hidden drugs, the Moroccan judge sentences both men to 5 years in the Moroccan prison of Tangiers. Nothing could have prepared the two men for life inside a Moroccan prison. Without food, clothes or medical care, they must learn how to take care of themselves to survive their stay in prison. Corrupt guards, corrupt lawyers and judges, a consul who doesn't care and frequent beatings are only part of the terrible prison. Meanwhile their families at home are left without any information, any help or any hope - finding out that their own government doesn't care for Belgian people in prisons abroad.
Acting
Filip Peeters' physical deterioration is devastatingly real.
Production
Prison filmed in actual Moroccan location adds suffocating authenticity.
Director
Frank van Mechelen
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Based on the actual 1996 case of Marcel Van Loock and Wim Moreels, who served five years despite their employer's confession. The real Marcel consulted on set.
The film sparked diplomatic tension; Belgian officials initially criticized its portrayal of consular neglect before quietly reforming prisoner support protocols in 2007.
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