"Adoration for Touda, as portrayed by Nabil Ayouch"
In the Moroccan film industry, "Alles lieben Touda" (2025) by director Nabil Ayouch stands out as a compelling drama that delves into the life of a female singer named Touda. Set in Morocco, the movie portrays the complexities of being a female artist in a conservative society, while emphasising the cultural richness of Moroccan folk music, Aïta.
The film's opening sequence suggests a creation myth of Moroccan folk music, Aïta, but contradicts this notion as the plot unfolds. Touda, the main character, seeks her fortune in Casablanca due to the lack of opportunities in her home village. Her profession, associated with the danger of sexual violence, is a source of both joy and social conflict.
Ayouch, known for addressing social issues in Morocco through his films, uses Touda's story to highlight the challenges faced by women in the Moroccan entertainment industry. Particularly those performing traditional or folk music, often constrained by social norms and expectations. The film portrays Moroccan folk music not only as a cultural heritage but also as a form of female expression and empowerment.
Touda's brother, despite his unemployment, moralises contemptuously towards her, and a colleague harshly tells Touda to "Move your ass," indicating the sexual harassment she faces. The film's loose plot can be seen as an expression of subjective disenchantment, raising questions about whether the filmmaker intends to deceive himself or the audience.
The movie's uncut eight-minute tour de force, featuring a Steadicam work by cinematographer Virginie Surdej, creates a maximum of dazzling ambiguity. The Sheikhats (or Cheikhates), who are rewarded for their Aïta performances with money and a share of the alcohol profits, add another layer of complexity to the film's portrayal of traditional Moroccan society.
Touda's nine-year-old son, being deaf, lacks educational opportunities in the provinces, further emphasising the struggles faced by women in Morocco who are also mothers. The movie's significance lies in shedding light on the complexities of being a female artist in Morocco, while confronting gender constraints and celebrating Moroccan identity through personal stories.
Directed by Holger Römers, "Alles lieben Touda" is a genre-defying drama that offers a unique perspective on Moroccan culture and the challenges faced by its female artists. Released on 29.05.2025, the film is a must-watch for those interested in exploring the intricacies of Moroccan society and the power of music as a form of female expression and empowerment.
- "Directed by Holger Römers, 'Alles lieben Touda' is a captivating movie-and-TV production that delves into the intricacies of Moroccan entertainment, focusing on the challenges faced by female artists in the industry."
- "The film 'Alles lieben Touda' serves as a significant contribution to entertainment, shedding light on the complexities of being a female artist in Morocco while celebrating Moroccan culture and the power of music as a form of female expression and empowerment."
