Algeria, 1997. The country finds itself increasingly controlled by extremist Islamic groups determined to implement an archaic state, where the oppression of women is a top priority. No woman escapes this threat. In an attempt to challenge this new status quo a group of young girls organizes 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.