Nabil Ayouch Debuts in French with Psychological Thriller Starring Virginie Efira
French-Moroccan filmmaker Nabil Ayouch, a member of this year's Berlin Film Festival jury, will direct his first French-language film, a psychological and sensual thriller led by prominent actress Virginie Efira and Maryam Touzani.
Ayouch's latest film, "Everybody Loves Touda," screened at Cannes this year and was Morocco's official Oscar entry. His notable works include "Casablanca Beats" (2021 Cannes entry) and the acclaimed "Much Loved."
In his upcoming film, which begins production later this year, Ayouch collaborates for the first time with Efira, one of France's most celebrated stars. The plot remains confidential, but Ayouch reveals Efira's character is a woman adopting a child in Morocco, raising questions on adoption and moral dilemmas.
Ayouch will shoot in French, but the film will be set in Morocco and reunite him with his wife, Touzani, who starred in "Razzia" and has collaborated with him as a filmmaker and co-screenwriter. Touzani's directorial debut, "The Blue Caftan," premiered at Cannes in 2022 and won the Fipresci prize, achieving overseas success for a Moroccan film.
Like his previous works, Ayouch's new film will have a feminist perspective, but also incorporates a "strong thriller element" and thought-provoking themes.
Ayouch will produce through his company Ali n'Productions and Les Films du Nouveau Monde. He is currently seeking potential partners for the project.