By Nikoleta Morales
Heart of Hollywood Magazine had the pleasure of interviewing actress Nisrin Erradi about her lead role as Touda in Morocco's Oscar entry, Everybody Loves Touda, directed by Nabil Ayouch. Touda has one singular dream: to become a Sheikha, a revered traditional Moroccan performer inspired by the powerful lyrics of the fierce female poets who came before her—women whose songs of resistance, love, and emancipation fuel her passion. Each night, she performs in provincial bars, navigating the watchful gaze of men, all while dreaming of leaving her small village for the bright lights of Casablanca. In the bustling city, she hopes to be recognized as a true artist and secure a brighter future for herself and her son.
What inspired the film’s character Touda?
Touda's personality is, in itself, an inspiration. Since the very first reading of the script, I felt an odd feeling toward her. I tried to reach her, to get into her. I felt myself very close to her through my reading of the scenario; from one scene to another, I was able to know her better, to get inside her world, and to understand her sorrows, which were the same as mine. I was going through a difficult time in my life, and Touda came to inspire me and truly became a best friend. I really believe that inspiration played a big role in preparing for this character because we share the same sorrows, buried in our hearts. We could say that I inspired her as well.
How difficult was it to tell her story through the lens?In fact, Touda’s silence makes it difficult to translate her feelings in front of the camera. She is strong and weak at the same time. I tried to focus on looks full of love and fear toward her child to reach the dark side of her life. It is truly difficult to translate what is going on in Touda's heart. Her story can be accessible and present, but not from the angle that Touda sees it. She is truly in pain, but she is growing to remain strong in front of her child and her art. I will never forget the day we were filming a scene in the movie, how I was convinced for a moment that I was actually Touda and not an actress portraying a role... I suddenly felt afraid because I felt Touda’s fear and the injustice she experiences as a lost artist. And because I am also an actress, I have always dreamed of being a real actress, as Touda wishes to be. That's why I feel her so deeply, and I think everyone will understand her suffering because, in this world, we are all Touda.
I must also mention the director, Nabil Ayouch, who offered me huge help in the preparation for the role. I also got professional help from three Moroccan chikhat, who helped me get into the character technically, where I practiced dancing and singing to reach the required level. All of this helped me to deliver Touda's voice everywhere.
If you had more resources and time, would the movie have a different ending and continue Touda’s journey in Casablanca?
I can say that if we had enough resources, Nabil and I could have spent years in the process of preparing the movie. We took care of all the details because we had so much passion for it, and I wished we could have been able to dive more and more into Touda's world, but it's not possible to get everything we want.
What message do you want to convey with the film and what do you want the audience to take away from it?
The first message that I want to convey is that there are so many women like Touda everywhere, and her voice can reach everyone effortlessly. All of these things make the character so true. This movie is made as a tribute to chikhat to recognize them, because this is the first time, we have shed light on them in a Moroccan movie. In fact, being part of Moroccan heritage, they deserve more than this. It's also important to understand the suffering of artists and all the hard times they go through while working.
How important is it for you to have an Oscar nomination and what does it mean to you?
Actually, when making movies, I don't think about the festivals where we could present them. However, being selected one day for such prestigious awards as the Oscars would be a great honor, especially to present a movie I worked so hard on. It would also give me the opportunity to share my voice and raise awareness about women's issues around the world.
In your words, how does Touda’s character represent Morocco’s culture?
Chikha is a poet and performer proficient in the art of Aïta. They present the Moroccan voice, like the legendary kharboucha that was resistant against authority back then. Everything has changed and it has become viewed as superficial and immoral which is totally wrong. Touda came to defend all the chikhat through her voice and firmness.
Anything else you want to add?
I want to thank Nabil Ayouch for giving me the opportunity to act this role and to deliver it the way I did.
Nabil Ayouch is a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures, the Cesar Academy, and a founding member of the Arab Film Academy. In 2024, Ayouch directed Everybody Loves Touda. The film was presented at the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, in Official Selection (Cannes Premiere).
