Draft:Leila Atouna

Leila Atouna (1909 -?) was a Moroccan dancer and actress. Born in Marrakesh, she was considered one of the most beautiful actresses of her time. She appeared in several films in the 1930s, gaining attention for her performances, beauty, and intricately embroidered traditional Moroccan caftans.

Leila Atouna is regarded as one of the Moroccan actresses who excelled in international cinema.

Life
Atouna was born into a family native to Marrakesh during the French protectorate era.

Atouna collaborated extensively with French director Jacques Sévérac between 1930 and 1932. This partnership provided her with numerous opportunities to showcase her exceptional talent both in Morocco and France. Under Sévérac's direction, she delivered captivating performances that captivated audiences with her remarkable range and versatility. Her ability to seamlessly transition between different cultural contexts demonstrated her adaptability as an actress.

In 1930, with her role in La rose du souk, Atouna became the first Moroccan to star in one of Sévérac's films.

In the 1930 film Sirocco, Atouna shared the screen with Moroccan actor Abdeslam Bel Lekbir.

Another significant film in Leila Atouna's career was Razzia, released in 1932 and set in Morocco. In this film, she portrayed a young woman who is kidnapped by a bandit.

Beyond her acting career, Leila Atouna helped elevate the caftan to a symbol of Moroccan identity and elegance, by wearing it in several of her roles.