MUCH LOVED

Few films come from Morocco, and fewer still with Much Loved’s notoriety: this is anything but an exotic postcard. Nabil Ayouch, in telling the story of four prostitutes in present-day Marrakech, has gone all-in on raw, realist cinema. He approached his taboo subject by doing in-depth research, followed by careful, non-judgmental, emotionally rich and even funny observation. For his trouble, he was subjected to immediate and total censorship. To the Western eye, Moroccan society — marching inexorably toward modernity while reaffirming its traditionalist, religious roots — may seem hopelessly contradictory. And it is true that official discourse denies the very existence of every Noha, Randa, Soukaina or Hlima who sells sex for a living. But, contrary to what conventional morality would have us believe, these are dignified and unique people with a true role to play. Ayouch and actress Loubna Abidar are now facing criminal charges in their country: they are accused of making pornography and inciting debauchery. That explosive socio-political backdrop must not be allowed to obscure their brave film.