https://www.facets.org/cinematheque/films/june2020/papicha.php
Based on her own experiences growing up in the ’90s during the Algerian Civil War, writer and director Mounia Meddour’s Papicha centers on 18-year-old Nedjma, (Lyna Khoudri), a university student who is studying French, but her actual passion is fashion design. Defying religious conservatism, she custom-makes dresses for her peers that are examples of individual expression. Attacks on civilians are on the rise from fundamentalist Islamist sects, and a shocking incident drives Nedjma to stage a unique protest: a fashion show centered around repurposing the haik, a traditional veil, into secular garments.
Anchored by a remarkable naturalism and camaraderie among its lead actresses (especially from Khoudri and Shirine Boutella), Papicha tells an unflinching story of resistance and resilience, and marks an inspired debut for Mounia Meddour. Meddour introduces her audience to struggles they might have never experienced before and explores themes like feminism through the film’s empowering characters. Papicha is a tragically beautiful story that inspires resistance and displays the power of friendship.
Directed by Mounia Meddour, Algeria, 2019, 108 mins. In French and Arabic with English subtitles.
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Tags: Chicago, Facets, Lincoln Park, Mounia Meddour, Papicha, Virtual Cinema Screenings
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