Saudi cinemas to screen Moroccan film ‘Everybody Loves Touda' starting May 8
Cinemas across Saudi Arabia are preparing to welcome the Moroccan film Everybody Loves Touda by director Nabil Ayouch, with screenings set to begin on May 8.
A special premiere event hosted by Reel Cinemas in Riyadh on May 7 will kick off the film's Saudi debut. The occasion is expected to draw artists and film enthusiasts alike, celebrating Moroccan cultural expression and cinematic achievement.
Everybody Loves Touda follows the journey of a village woman, Touda, who dreams of becoming a 'sheikha'—a traditional female performer known for her poetic musical expression. Set against the backdrop of a conservative society and personal hardship, the story captures Touda's struggle for independence and her pursuit of a better future for her son. Actress Nisrin Erradi delivers a performance in the lead role, supported by a cast that includes Jalila Talmissi, Amin Naji and Abdelilah Rachid.
Since its release in Morocco, the film has resonated with audiences for its deeply human narrative and authentic portrayal of rural and urban life. The work also underscores Ayouch's continued exploration of Moroccan identity, especially the cultural significance and evolution of Sheikhat—a revered form of sung poetry performed by women that has seen its status change dramatically over the decades.
The film has already garnered international attention through its festival run and was selected as Morocco's official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards. This marks the 20th time Morocco has submitted a film to the Oscars and the sixth time a film by Ayouch has been chosen to represent the country.
Produced by Ayouch's Ali n'Productions in collaboration with Les Films du Nouveau Monde, Velvet Films, Snowglobe, Viking Films and Staer, Everybody Loves Touda is positioned as a major cultural export. Its Saudi release not only strengthens artistic exchange between Morocco and the Gulf but also reflects a broader regional embrace of diverse Arab cinematic voices.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sharjah 24
3 hours ago
- Sharjah 24
"Hal wa Tarhal"… Off we go to Brazil
The Mleiha Youth Center witnessed the launch of the first virtual flight, bound for Brazil. Targeting 77 members from various Sharjah Youth Centers, the trip offered an exceptional learning experience through the pages of books. Readers became travelers, and the pages became destinations. The trip opened up broad horizons for them to learn about the lives of the Brazilian people, their customs, and traditions, as well as to discover their culture and most prominent arts. Sharjah Youth participants learned about the unique elements of Brazilian daily life in an interactive atmosphere through the "Letters from Rio" workshop. During a creative art workshop, they learned about the scarlet macaw, one of the most important environmental symbols and the most beautiful tropical birds, embodying the biodiversity of South America. They enjoyed its vibrant colors, which play a pivotal role in artistic carnivals. In the "A Flavor of Brazil - Queijo" workshop, participants learned about the most popular Brazilian dishes and the skills needed to prepare famous dishes. They also learned the secrets of preparing distinctive Brazilian and Colombian coffee and tasted their unique flavors. Reading sessions included a selection of stories and books that shed light on important aspects of Brazilian culture and popular heritage through the enjoyment of reading. In a unique cultural experience, members of the Sajaya Girls of Sharjah will learn how to make fresh pasta in an exceptional way that enhances teamwork skills, as well as discover the secrets of Italian cuisine in an interactive atmosphere held this Thursday evening at Italiere, in the Muwailih area of Sharjah. They will also view information cards about Italian history and educational reading sessions about the most important milestones in Italian culture, completing their journey through practical, applied knowledge in an atmosphere that combines creativity, fun, and deep learning. On Saturday, August 23, 2025, Sharjah Children will participate in the final journey, starting from the Children's Center in Helwan, to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This journey will include a series of innovative cultural, artistic, and reading workshops. During these workshops, they will travel to the landmarks of Saudi Arabia's rich heritage through engaging storytelling book reading workshops. They will also participate in the Our Saudi Kitchen workshop, which will provide them with the opportunity to learn how to make famous Saudi foods and coffee-making skills. They will also participate in the Sadu weaving workshop, where they will learn about the most prominent Saudi crafts and the skills of weaving Saudi Sarood fabrics.
Sharjah 24
3 days ago
- Sharjah 24
Rubu' Qarn's virtual journeys to global cultures
Launching on Tuesday, the programme will extend for three consecutive days, from August 19 to 21, 2025. Targeting 160 members from Sharjah Children, Sharjah Youth, and Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah, aged 6 to 18. Three virtual trips The programme is a continuation of the successes of the Rubu' Qarn and the World programme, which the Foundation has organised over the past two years, and an advanced and developed phase. It will take members on a more in-depth and interactive journey through three virtual trips to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Italy, and the Federative Republic of Brazil, to discover their cultural, artistic, and literary features. Learning about the world's civilisations and cultures The programme, which is held in a creative atmosphere that combines applied knowledge with sensory experience, aims to motivate participants to read and connect it to the joy of travel and wandering. It also arouses their curiosity about the importance of research and learning to learn about the world's civilisations and discover their diverse cultures and the customs and traditions of their people. The programme provides participants with the opportunity to develop effective communication skills and constructive participation by exchanging ideas and information and gaining experiences inspired by their interactive virtual experiences, in a unique harmony that blends the magic of culture with the joy of discovery. Interactive workshops The programme includes reading sessions and specialised interactive workshops on Saudi, Brazilian, and Italian culture and arts, enhancing in-depth understanding and lively communication with the civilisations of these countries. This reflects the efforts of the Rubu' Qarn for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators and its strategic vision to build and empower informed and influential generation capable of communicating effectively with the peoples of various countries around the world.
Broadcast Pro
3 days ago
- Broadcast Pro
Red Sea Film Foundation unveils jury and teams for 48Hr Film Challenge
In September 2025, all completed films will be screened during two professional days dedicated to industry engagement and feedback. The Red Sea Film Foundation has announced the jury panel for the fifth edition of its 48-Hour Film Challenge, set to take place later this year. The jury will feature Saudi presenter and actor Yasser Al Saggaf, Lebanese actress and director Carmen Bsaibes, and French-Moroccan filmmaker and actor Ayoub Layoussifi. All three are widely recognised for their diverse contributions to Arab and international cinema, bringing with them valuable expertise in both acting and directing. Al Saggaf, a leading voice in Saudi media, has long championed young talent in film and broadcasting. Bsaibes is celebrated across the Arab world for her memorable roles in film and television and her growing influence as a director. Layoussifi has gained acclaim for his award-winning works, including TIKITAT-A-SOULIMA, Dis-moi Mohammed… and Shikha, which was selected for the Red Sea Short Film Competition in 2024. Their combined insights are expected to bring both depth and constructive guidance to this year's challenge. Organised in collaboration with the Consulate General of France in Jeddah, the Embassy of France in Saudi Arabia, Alliance Française and the Centre for French Culture, the initiative is designed to empower emerging Saudi filmmakers through a demanding time-bound competition rooted in collaboration and innovation. The 2025 edition will feature 14 teams: Albaraa Moazzin (SAIL), Abrar Alqurashi (CINEMANIA), Sara Amari (JULY ECHO), Fares Salah (SARJ), Essam Alkhairy (GARBA3A), Rmas Alhazmi (THE DECLIC), Maan Alsiari (CINEPHILES), Tala Faisal (PSYCHOSIS), Rakan Wafa (SEA HORSEMEN), Saad Alderaan (CMPRSN), Khaled Kaseb (ABU HADRIYAH ST BOYS), Hassan Alradhi (WESTRICH), Summer Alashari (ON THE EDGE) and Mohanad Alzahrani (TWINREEL). Ahead of the competition, the selected teams participated in a two-day preparatory workshop on July 11–12, 2025. The sessions were led by Iraqi director Ahmed Yassin Aldaradji, Saudi filmmaker Ahd Kamel and Academy member Cyril Aris, who provided training in directing, screenwriting, and editing to help participants prepare for the challenge of producing a complete short film within 48 hours. The completed films will premiere in September 2025 during two professional days focused on industry engagement, where participants will showcase their work and receive mentorship from Saudi and French professionals. Two winning teams will be chosen based on creativity, technical execution, and storytelling impact. Their films will be screened at the fifth Red Sea International Film Festival in December 2025, and the team leaders will also be awarded an exclusive filmmaking residency in France in 2026. Now in its fifth year, the 48-Hour Film Challenge has become a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's independent cinema movement. Since its launch, it has nurtured a new generation of storytellers, enabling young filmmakers to showcase their talent, participate in international film platforms, and advance their professional careers.
