Amman, February 2 – The Cinema Committee at the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation will screen the Moroccan film “Everybody Loves Touda”, directed by Nabil Ayouch, tomorrow, Tuesday, at 6:30 PM in the Foundation’s cinema hall in Jabal Amman.

The film follows Touda, portrayed with remarkable depth by actress Nisrin Erradi. Touda is a young, divorced woman living in a marginalized rural village, devoted to raising her only son, Yasin, who was born deaf and mute. He is the central motivation in her life. Touda works as a traditional singer at local celebrations and night venues, often performing for audiences seeking light entertainment.

Yet she carries a larger dream: to become a respected sheikha—a master performer—of the traditional Moroccan art form known as “Aita”. More than a musical style, “Aita” represents a deeply rooted cultural expression and has long served as a space for Moroccan women to voice their struggles, hopes, and strength, as well as a means of resisting social injustice.

Touda’s journey unfolds through a series of personal and social struggles. She faces social stigma because of her profession, experiences exploitation and violence, and navigates tense relationships with colleagues as competition sometimes turns into hostility. She also confronts her brother’s rejection of her career. These challenges strengthen her determination, eventually leading her to make the difficult decision to move to Casablanca in pursuit of a better future and improved opportunities for her son’s education.

Director Nabil Ayouch approaches the story with sensitivity and restraint, balancing Touda’s painful experiences with vibrant scenes of singing and dance that offer moments of hope. Rather than dramatizing suffering, the film presents it with nuance, encouraging viewers to empathize with the character and reflect on the social realities she faces.

Visually, the cinematography enhances the film’s realism through warm tones and intimate close-ups that bring the audience closer to the characters. The camera captures not only physical spaces—from the cramped atmosphere of smoky night venues to the open horizons reflected in Touda’s hopeful gaze—but also the emotional world surrounding them. The film’s measured pace allows space for reflection and deepens the exploration of Touda’s character and inner life.

A defining element of the film is the powerful performance of Nisrin Erradi, who trained for over a year and a half in the art of “Aita”. Her portrayal goes beyond acting; she fully embodies the spirit of the traditional singer, conveying both the strength and vulnerability that define the art form. Her performance anchors the film and elevates Touda into a powerful symbol of resilience.

Culturally, the film places “Aita” at the heart of its narrative rather than treating it as mere background music or folklore. It presents the tradition as a living cultural voice and a form of resistance. Historically used as a cultural expression against oppression, “Aita” becomes Touda’s personal means of confronting social marginalization.

Although deeply rooted in Moroccan culture, the film speaks to universal themes, including violence against women, the challenges of single motherhood, the struggle of artists to express themselves, and the need for greater inclusion of people with disabilities. Ultimately, the film leaves a lasting impression, reminding audiences that art can be a powerful form of resistance and that perseverance in pursuing one’s dreams can be one of life’s greatest victories.