Musa: The Magic of the Strait of Gibraltar.

Ben Welsh
Mar 5
2 min read

Updated: Mar 31

In Tarifa, right in front of the imposing Jebel Musa, we filmed one of the most special projects of my career. Together with a talented dancer and actress, we created a piece that blends dance, history, and landscape — a visual homage to one of the most magical and symbolic places on Earth.

We chose La Caleta as the main location, a site full of energy, with Africa just a step away and the Strait as our natural stage. There, with Musa dominating the horizon, we filmed under the constant pressure of a fast-setting sun, pushing us to work with precision to capture the best light of the day.

To capture each movement and emotion, I used high-end Nikon cameras, combining telephoto lenses to highlight the intimacy of the dance with wide-angle lenses to open up the majestic backdrop. The result is a visual journey between the human and the monumental, between the dancer’s delicate expression and the eternal grandeur of Musa.

We also used aerial drone footage to give the story an epic dimension. From above, we revealed the perfect connection between Tarifa, the sea, and Africa — showcasing the power of this mythical place that has inspired stories and symbols for generations.

The video revolves around the idea that "Musa" is not just a mountain — it’s also a literal muse: a source of inspiration for creators, legends, and dreamers. In Greek and Roman mythology, Jebel Musa appears in tales of Hercules, son of Zeus, who is said to have moved the mountain with his own hands, leaving visible marks even today. Musa is also depicted in the coat of arms of Spain’s King Carlos I, and it even appears in the dollar symbol — a symbol that connects the imagination of many across continents.

With Africa in the background, Tarifa becomes a gateway — not just to another continent, but to the myth, energy, and beauty that converge in this unique location.