Papicha (2019)

Directed by: Mounia Meddour Gens | 106 minutes | drama | Actors: Lyna Khoudri, Shirine Boutella, Amira Hilda Douaouda, Yasin Houicha, Zahra Manel Doumandji, Marwan Zeghbib, Aida Ghechoud, Meriem Medjkrane, Samir El Hakim, Amine Mentseur, Khaled Benaïssa, Abderrahmane Boudia, Malenak Bourdellaa, Malenak Boudrausa Ahmed Benaissa

Set against the background of the Algerian civil war that began in 1991, ‘Papicha’ is a thoroughly female drama about the young, ambitious Nedjma. Nedjma (Lyna Khoudri) studies French language and culture in Algiers with her best friend Wassila (Shirine Boutella). The girls enjoy life and do not feel inhibited by religion or politics. They dress Western, embrace the nightlife (although they have to undertake a journey with terrifying obstacles) and make plans for the future. Leaving Algeria to try your luck in Europe or America? Well, why? Nedjma is very adept at designing and sewing clothes, she sells her dresses secretly and to order, in the toilets of the nightclub. But when reality clashes with her apparent state of freedom, she has to struggle to remain herself.

After that first sudden act of terror, in which Sunni fundamentalists storm a lecture hall, fire shots and create general panic, the threat in ‘Papicha’ is never far away. And yet director Mounia Meddour Gens (wife of film director Xavier Gens) always manages to surprise. There are victims, traumas arise, but how or when, that is never predictable. In the background you occasionally get a glimpse of how the civil war has gripped the country, but the focus remains on the story of Nedjma and her peers. That makes this Algerian entry for the Oscars a compelling and convincing story.

Nedjma’s dreams, actions and lifestyle are not only diametrically opposed to the thinking of the average conservative Algerian man, but also that of the fundamentalist fighters and it is sometimes questionable which is more dangerous. An annoying young man in the street speaks to her cheekily and follows her, but the worldly-looking Nedjma bites off vigorously. But she can’t argue with a bullet either.

The rebel in Nedjma was born, or rather: awakened. A tragic event does provide her with inspiration: a fashion show organized on campus in which she has her friends wear the dresses she designed. She makes the dresses from a haik, a traditional white robe that women wear in North Africa. But when the authorities find out about her daring plans, nothing is certain.

In addition to a beautiful and authentic image of the time (which, like the lead actress, can also make you mad about), ‘Papicha’ also offers a warm and moving image of young friendships. At times this debut by Mounia Meddour Gens even reminds one of ‘Booksmart’. Nedjma’s love for her native country is refreshing; how often does a youngster yearning to escape form the main theme for a movie? Nedjma is also not happy with the situation, but that is not due to her country itself. Leading actress Lyna Khoudri is reminiscent of a younger version of Jessica Alba in appearance and makes an unforgettable impression with her energetic and charismatic appearance. We will certainly hear more from her, but hopefully Mounia Meddour Gens, who made her feature film debut with ‘Papicha’, will also be able to film more such fascinating stories.