Najiba Jalal interviews Asmaa Akroud: “The Testament” is an Artistic Cry in the Battle for Women’s Rights
During the Rabat Book Fair at the Ministry of Justice pavilion, journalist Najiba Jalal, editor-in-chief of “Expresstv,” held a discussion with Moroccan director Asmaa Akroud, highlighting the details of her new film “The Testament” and the social issues it addresses.
In the conversation, Asmaa Akroud emphasized that the challenges depicted in the film are not limited to Moroccan women; they reflect the suffering of many women in the Arab world. She explained that women in the region face the same legal obstacles and share the same arduous path through the courts. She stressed that their struggle transcends national borders, representing a fight against outdated social and legal systems that overlook women’s aspirations today.
Speaking about the ongoing revision of the Family Code in Morocco, Asmaa Akroud expressed her pride in this step. She noted that the project represents a much-delayed positive development, pointing out that women’s daily experiences have demonstrated that change is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
She also discussed her personal commitment to advocating for women’s issues, explaining that the videos she shares on her YouTube channel, where she addresses women’s suffering in a direct and candid manner, extend her artistic and humanitarian message. She added that she views every artistic work as an opportunity to spark discussion, break the silence, and challenge reality.
Akroud clarified that the film “The Testament” does not preach or claim to offer solutions, but rather serves as a personal contribution documenting a part of the experiences lived by many women. She thanked the Ministry of Justice for the technical and administrative support provided for the film’s production and praised the backing given by the Moroccan Cinematic Center through its film support committee.
Regarding her future projects, Asmaa Akroud stated that she is currently focused on celebrating the success of “The Testament,” considering it the fruit of a long struggle and a profound artistic and humanitarian experience. She affirmed her hope that this film will inspire more works that boldly and responsibly address women’s issues.
