Amine Kassid, known as Amine Le Conquérant, is redefining the narrative of French castles through his captivating videos. With roots in Morocco and a passion for stories overlooked by textbooks, he challenges cultural exclusivity and fosters diversity, all while training the next generation of filmmakers. DR ‹ › With the guidance of experts, researchers, and historians, Amine Le Conquérant brings French castles to life through his lens, uncovering their hidden stories. Born in Colombres and residing in Cergy, Amine grew up with his Moroccan parents from Dar Guerradi, in the province of Sidi Slimane. Over time, he developed a fascination for a field often perceived as exclusive. With his real name, Amine Kassid, he dives deep into this passion, fueled by a keen interest in narratives that textbooks often overlook. A self-taught enthusiast, Amine expands his knowledge through personal research, discovering historical narratives he is eager to share with a wider audience. His concept took shape from this passion. «Castles, kings, and history have always intrigued me, especially the parts that aren't in school curricula. Today, I capture and narrate these stories through books, source documents, and with historians», he shared with Yabiladi. History: A Legacy of Diversity After leaving high school early, Amine pursued studies at the School of Journalism and Cinema in Toulon, where he graduated. Merging his love for history with his career, he worked as an assistant director at M6 and France 3, gaining experience on the sets of «Scène de ménage» and «Plus belle la vie». Eventually, he founded his own production company, collaborating with influencers and rappers for a decade. Feeling constrained by «working for others», he shifted focus to creating his own content. Driven to share his expertise, Amine Kassid established the association «1789» in Cergy, a nod to the French Revolution. Through his video series on castles and volunteer initiatives, he aims to «revolutionize cinema and open it up to everyone, challenging the industry's exclusivity». Simultaneously, he seeks to weave diversity into the French narrative. «The feedback on French castles is a chance to root this heritage in the reality that it belongs to us all, as French citizens. The concept resonates with young people, historians, and show hosts alike, though it may not sit well with racists whose threats don't deter me.» Amine Kassid Amine acknowledges to Yabiladi that his videos evoke mixed reactions. «I'm not intimidated by racist attacks. I understand they come with the territory, especially in an era where anti-Muslim sentiment is increasingly normalized. Being in the public eye exacerbates it, but I've learned to rise above», he says. The choice of his stage name is deliberate. «It's a nod to William the Conqueror, a symbol of resilience. Known as 'William the Bastard' due to his illegitimate birth, he couldn't claim the French throne but triumphed in battles and was crowned in England in 1066», Amine Kassid explains. William's conquest of the English throne marked the beginning of a powerful Anglo-Norman kingdom, leading to the construction of significant edifices. «I wanted a historical reference that was also provocative, a name I wholeheartedly embrace!» declares Amine Le Conquérant. At the Crossroads of History and Youth Training In a spirit of openness and practical learning, Amine involves students in the production of his online videos, training them in audiovisual skills through the 1789 association. «With my cinema degree, I offer free support within the association and involve them in shoots», he tells our editorial team. «Participants are trained in directing, editing, and framing, using a learner-focused approach that adapts to rapid industry changes. The castle history series provides a platform to apply this knowledge.» Amine Kassid Beyond mentoring, the 1789 association organizes master classes featuring specialists and audiovisual professionals, and collaborates with UGC cinemas for screenings of short films and documentaries. Amine Kassid cherishes the long-term impact of his work. He proudly shares with Yabiladi that some of the beneficiaries have become journalists abroad or award-winning directors at festivals. His next goal is to narrate the history of his ancestral homeland, Morocco, adapting his successful video concept from France.
