Synopsis

Algeria, 1997. The country finds itself increasingly controlled by extremist Islamic groups determined to implement an archaic state where the oppression of women is top priority. No woman escapes this threat. In an attempt to challenge this new status quo a group of young girls organise a fashion show. The French director Mounia Meddour’s first work presents us with a complex portrait of a generation of women forced to confront an all-powerful patriarchy. Papicha made a name for itself upon debuting, becoming one of the most popular films of the Cannes Festival’s Un Certain Regard competition and later picking up two Caesars awards.