Helping Moroccans Face Challenges Through Drama

Viewers from Morocco are reaching out to SAT-7 with a range of problems and needs, from mental health struggles and emotional crises to loneliness and relationship challenges. In response to these needs, SAT-7 created a new drama series to connect with Moroccan viewers.

“I am overwhelmed by a flood of conflicting emotions,” said Zahra, a woman left reeling after the sudden end of a romantic relationship.

“I am fighting a war with myself and depression,” said Aziza, who struggles with social interaction.

SAT-7’s new social media drama Between Us is aiming to relate with viewers like Zahra and Aziza. Between Us tells emotionally-driven stories drawn from everyday Moroccan life to help people reflect on their own challenges and open the door to deeper conversations about hope and faith.

Local Production

Made in Moroccan Arabic, each short episode was filmed with local actors on location in Morocco – in homes, cafés, streets and workplaces – to ground the stories in familiar settings and make the characters’ struggles immediately relatable.

Through the story of a Moroccan couple navigating life together, the series explores topics including loneliness, depression, relationship problems, integrity, and forgiveness.

“We hope that in watching this program, Moroccan viewers will realize that they are not alone; that other people struggle with the same fears, pressures, and conflicts as they do,” said Andrew Gamal, SAT-7’s North Africa Projects Manager. “And we want them to find a renewed sense of hope and encouragement from seeing that change and healing are possible.”

The idea for Between Us came directly from SAT-7’s North Africa team and from the needs shared by local people on the ground in Morocco. During media training workshops with the team last year, drama was identified as an effective way to help people discuss faith and life challenges.

“The local ownership of this project is important, because people connect more deeply with stories that reflect their own culture, language, daily life, and struggles,” Andrew added.

Between Us will be shared on social media and satellite starting in July.

Offering Empathy and Encouragement

It is clear from SAT-7’s interactions with viewers in Morocco that this series is addressing many real issues that are affecting people’s lives.

Returning to Zahra’s story: she contacted SAT-7’s Viewer Support Team for help, describing how she has “struggled greatly” in the aftermath of a failed relationship. “He promised me marriage but, without any warning, he chose to leave me,” she said. “He betrayed me. I can’t believe he is so cruel. My life has become unbearable since then. Anxiety and frustration refuse to leave me.”

The Viewer Support Team offered empathy and encouragement to Zahra, and sent her a resource called “Overcoming the Past,” assuring her of their prayers and continued support.

“Thank you for all the support you provide to people like me, those going through difficult emotional struggles,” Zahra responded.

Aziza was grateful, too, for the support she received from SAT-7. As she shared her struggles with depression and social anxiety, the Viewer Support Team listened carefully and encouraged her to reflect on how God sees her: as precious, accepted, and loved by Him.

“Thank you so much. I cried while reading your prayer for me,” Aziza said. “Thank you for helping me get closer to God. I feel at ease when I talk to you; I appreciate your encouragement. When I draw closer to God and talk to Him about everything, I feel so much relief.”