Past Film/Video | Contemporary Screen

Papicha

(Mounia Meddour, 2019)

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A group of young women look into the distance

A New York Times Critic’s Pick, Mounia Meddour’s debut feature follows a group of young Algerian women trying to hold onto personal freedoms while fundamentalism escalates around them in the 1990s.

As the Algerian Civil War between the government and Islamic rebel groups plays out, and the enforcement of conservative dress and conduct becomes more widespread, 18-year-old Nedjma (Lyna Khoudri) and her friends try to enjoy the simple pleasures of dancing, dating, and hanging out. While college student Nedjma dreams of becoming a fashion designer, she’s unwilling to seek her fortunes abroad like her friends—so she protests the growing repression against women by planning a fashion show carefully designed to push social boundaries. Watch for Khoudri in Wes Anderson’s upcoming feature The French Dispatch. (105 mins., digital video). In French and Arabic with English subtitles.

More about the film

A group of young women look into the distance

Image courtesy of Disturb Films US

Nedjma (Lyna Khoudri) stares down a shadowy figure in the foreground

Image courtesy of Disturb Films US

Nedjma (Lyna Khoudri, at center) cheers with friends

Image courtesy of Disturb Films US

MADE POSSIBLE BY
Greater Columbus Arts Council
Ohio Arts Council
American Electric Power Foundation
The Columbus Foundation
Institute of Museum and Library Services
Nationwide Foundation

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY
Huntington Bank
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Kaufman Development
Cardinal Health Foundatio
n
 

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Past Film/Video

Papicha