Filmmakers Making A Social Impact: Why & How Filmmaker Zineb Oukach Is Helping To Change Our World

I wish someone told me to never stop or give up even when you hear a “no”. I was very young when I started acting and I took every “no” personally. It made me doubt of my talent and of who I am.

As a part of our series about “Filmmakers Making A Social Impact” I had the pleasure of interviewing Zineb Oukach.

Zineb, born in Casablanca, Morocco, has carved a niche for herself in the world of film and television, gaining international recognition through her dynamic roles and compelling performances. Her journey from a young actress in Morocco to an acclaimed international star is a testament to her talent, resilience, and passion for storytelling.

Oukach grew up in the vibrant city of Casablanca. Her early life was marked by a strong interest in the arts, a passion that would later define her career. In 2004, seeking broader horizons, she moved to France. Initially, Oukach pursued studies in Economics, but her love for acting soon led her to the renowned Cours Florent, a prestigious drama school in Paris. It was here that she honed her acting skills, preparing herself for a career that would take her to new heights.

Oukach’s early work in Morocco garnered significant attention. She became well known for her role in “Parfum de Mer,” a film by acclaimed Moroccan filmmaker Abdelhai Laraki. She further cemented her reputation with her performance in the Moroccan television series “Une Famille Respectable,” directed by Kamal Kamal. These early projects showcased her ability to portray complex characters, earning her recognition and respect within the Moroccan entertainment industry.

Her big break on the international stage came in 2007 with the film “Rendition.” Directed by Gavin Hood, the movie featured Oukach in the role of Fatima, a young Arab woman caught in the web of post-9/11 anti-terror policies. Acting alongside Hollywood heavyweights like Meryl Streep, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Reese Witherspoon, Oukach delivered a powerful performance that resonated with audiences worldwide. This role not only showcased her acting prowess but also highlighted her ability to tackle challenging and politically charged subjects.

Following “Rendition,” Oukach continued to expand her portfolio. She appeared in Martin Scorsese’s “The Wolf of Wall Street” in 2013, where she played a hostess on a yacht. This experience provided her the opportunity to work with one of cinema’s most influential directors and to be part of a major Hollywood production.

Oukach also ventured into television, starring in the science fiction series “Alien Dawn,” which aired on Nickelodeon. Her role in this series added another dimension to her career, demonstrating her versatility as an actress capable of crossing genres from drama to science fiction.

In addition to her acting career, Oukach has ventured into filmmaking. Inspired by personal experiences and social issues, she wrote and directed “Interruption,” a film focused on women’s health and reproductive rights. The project stemmed from her concern about the political implications of such topics and the impact of restrictive abortion laws, an issue she felt compelled to address through her work. The overturn of Roe v. Wade in the United States served as a catalyst for Oukach, reminding her of the restrictive environment in Morocco regarding abortion and motivating her to take a stand.

Oukach’s journey has been shaped by interactions with notable figures in the film industry. Working with Martin Scorsese on “The Wolf of Wall Street” left a lasting impression on her, particularly their discussions about cinema and Scorsese’s appreciation for Moroccan culture. Additionally, filmmaker Amos Poe’s knowledge and humor have influenced her perspective on storytelling and life.

Her inspirations are rooted in individuals who maintain dignity through hardship, a theme reflected in her admiration for Rigoberta Menchu and other women who have navigated difficult circumstances with grace and resilience.

Oukach uses her platform to advocate for social issues, particularly women’s health and reproductive rights. Through “Interruption,” she aims to raise awareness about the complexities and challenges surrounding the right to choose. Her work seeks to humanize these issues and spark conversations that can lead to change.

Looking ahead, Oukach expresses a desire to collaborate with filmmakers like Kelly Reichardt, known for “First Cow,” and Kenneth Lonergan, whose screenplay for “Manchester by the Sea” she admires. These aspirations reflect her continued commitment to exploring diverse narratives and deepening her craft.

Zineb Oukach’s career is a testament to her talent, determination, and willingness to tackle complex and often controversial subjects. From her early days in Casablanca to her rise on the international stage, she has consistently demonstrated a passion for storytelling and a commitment to using her voice for social impact. As she continues to evolve as an actress and filmmaker, Oukach remains a significant and inspiring figure in the world of cinema.

Thank you so much for doing this interview with us! Before we dive in, our readers would love to get to know you a bit. Can you share your “backstory” that brought you to this career?

Hello, It’s a pleasure talking to you! I have been acting for the past 15 years, I love acting and storytelling. A little before the pandemic, I wrote INTERRUPTION for a friend to direct. She didn’t want to make the film because of its political aspect. She was concerned the film might have backlash. So I ended up doing it myself. If it wasn’t for her “no” I might never be a filmmaker.

It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

When I did RENDITION, my English was not that great. Oftentimes, Gavin Hood will give me directions and I will do the opposite! Or someone will say I’m terrific and I will think they said I’m terrible. haha. After RENDITION I decided to move to NYC and take English classes at the French Alliance.

Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?

Martin Scorsese and Amos Poe. They are both extremely knowledgeable about films, they’re very funny, love Morocco and have a strong point of view on life. Working with Mr. Scorsese on THE WOLF OF WALL STREET and talking about movies and his love for Morocco was a memory I will never forget.

Which people in history inspire you the most? Why?

The ones who go through hardship while maintaining human dignity. They teach us lessons about life and love. So many women inspire me, and Rigoberta Menchu is one of them.

Let’s now shift to the main focus of our interview, how are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting social impact causes you are working on right now?

I made INTERRUPTION because I’m interested in women’s health in America and around the world. Not having access to abortion impacts women’s lives forever. By making INTERRUPTION, I wanted to tell a human story where two characters are going through the same issue — unwanted pregnancies. Through my work, I wish to raise awareness that even the right to choose is not an easy one.

Many of us have ideas, dreams, and passions, but never manifest it. But you did. Was there an “Aha Moment” that made you decide that you were actually going to step up and take action for this cause? What was that final trigger?

The overturn of Roe Vs. Wade was a trigger for me. I grew up in Morocco where abortion is illegal and taboo. I have lived in the USA for 15 years now, and seeing the overturn of Roe Vs. Wade triggered my past. I read a lot of articles about journalists around the world who are silenced by oppressive governments who fear losing their power over democracy. These governments use abortion laws to muscle journalism, freedom of speech, and much more. What happened in the US on June 24th, 2022 reinforced despotism around the world. I had to do something because people were hurt by extreme policies.

Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?

One woman in my family, I would like to keep her anonymous, had a few unwanted pregnancies. Thanks to her accessing abortion, it helped continue her life goals and plan her pregnancies the way she wanted them. Today she is a mother, a successful business owner, and a grandmother of four.

Are there three things that individuals, society or the government can do to support you in this effort?

I think the decision to interrupt a pregnancy and have an abortion is not an easy choice to make for anyone. So when a government makes it illegal, it makes the process more difficult and painful for individuals. No one wants to feel like a criminal or an outlaw.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.

I wish someone told me to never stop or give up even when I hear a “no”. I was very young when I started acting and I took every “no” personally. It made me doubt of my talent and of who I am.

I wish someone told me to trust my gut and my vision and not listen to everyone. Everyone has an opinion or wants to impose their vision on you. Never let someone influence you unless you share the same vision.

I wish someone told me to not sweat the little things. To worry less. Life is too short, we will all be gone one day.

I wish someone told me to save and invest. Making good financial decisions can change your life.

I wish to remind myself every day to laugh and play more.

If you could tell other young people one thing about why they should consider making a positive impact on our environment or society, like you, what would you tell them?

Our planet, our society is where we live, we only have one home. Let’s be kind to each other and engage more in our society.

We are very blessed that many other Social Impact Heroes read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, whom you would like to collaborate with, and why? He or she might see this. :-)

There are so many people I would love to collaborate with. I would love to work with Kelly Reichardt, I loved FIRST COW. I also love MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, the screenplay is beautiful. I would love to meet Kenneth Lonergan.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

A friend of mine recently shared this quote with me that deeply touched me: “Do you want to be Right, or do you want to be Happy?”

I’ve been living by it since then. We live in a society ruled by the concept of Right and Wrong. Your goal in life is not to be right.

How can our readers follow you online?

There is the film website

https://interruptionmovie.com/

And you can follow me on Instagram @zineboukach

This was great, thank you so much for sharing your story and doing this with us. We wish you continued success!

Thank you!