Morocco, Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, France / 2024 / 101mins / Drama / Arabic

Irrepressible Touda only dreams of one thing: being a Sheikha, a respected traditional Moroccan performer empowered by the lyrics of the fierce female poets who came before her - with their songs of resistance and emancipation. Performing every evening in provincial bars under the lustful gaze of men, Touda plans to set her sights on leaving her small village 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.

Nabil Ayouch

Nabil Ayouch (born April 1, 1969) is a television and film director, producer and writer of Moroccan descent. He was born in Paris, although he spent a large part of his childhood in Sarcelles, France. His father is Moroccan and his mother is of Tunisian origin. After three years of studying theatre in Paris (1987-1990), Ayouch started his career as a scriptwriter and director with the advertising agency Euro-RSCG. In 1992, he directed Les Pierres bleues du désert, a first short film with French star Jamel Debbouze. Since then he directed several films which earned him international recognition. He won the Ecumenical Award in 2000 at the Montreal World Film Festival for his film Ali Zaoua, prince de la rue. Ayouch’s film Les Chevaux de Dieu competed in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. Learn More