Everybody loves Touda
Feminist musical drama about a Moroccan woman from the province who dreams of recognition as a Sheikha, a traditional Moroccan singer who sings about resistance, love and emancipation.
Performing every evening in provincial bars under the lustful gaze of men, Touda decides to leave her small town for the bright lights of Casablanca where she hopes to be recognized as a true artist and also secure a better future for her and her son. But as the door to success begins to open, her vision of freedom and true artistry is put to the test.
Nabil Ayouch is a director whose films often spotlight marginalized characters, as seen in Horses Of God (2012), and Much Loved (2015). His latest film, Everybody Loves Touda, was selected to represent Morocco at the Academy Awards. The film offers a nuanced portrait of a woman’s journey against violence, poverty, and cultural stereotypes.