Everybody Loves Touda

Touda is a Sheikha, a traditional Moroccan singer, who performs in bars in the small town where she lives. To secure a better future for her son, she plans to leave her hometown for Casablanca.

As a singer, Touda wishes to be loved, but the attention she receives is often unwanted. Men see the sensuality in her performances as an open invitation without her consent. Despite this, she is determined to follow her dream of becoming a Sheikha. In the title role, we find a fantastic performance from Nisran Erradi. She plays a determined woman and mother who fights for the recognition she deserves despite attempts to be suppressed by the society around her.

Director Nabil Ayouch and screenwriter Maryam Touzani – who also worked on The Blue Caftan – have created a touching portrait of Touda and Moroccan musical traditions. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024.