Papicha is a 2019 internationally co-produced drama film directed by Mounia Meddour. It was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival. It was selected as the Algerian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards, but it was not nominated. It became the most successful African film directed by a woman at the French box office.
Plot Set in the 1990s during the Algerian Civil War, Papicha tells the story of Nedjma, an 18-year-old student who loves fashion and going out with her girlfriends. This lifestyle is challenged by a growing campaign for women to wear the burqa. Her life changes after a dramatic attack and Nedjma decides to create a fashion show as a symbol of resistance.
Cast Marwan Zeghbib as Karim Lyna Khoudri as Nedjma Nadia Kaci as Madame Kamissi Ali Damiche as Omer
Reception
Awards Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient(s) Result Cannes Film Festival 14–25 May 2019 Un Certain Regard Mounia Meddour El Gouna Film Festival27 September 2019 Golden StarPapicha Best Arab Narrative Film Seminci26 October 2019 Golden Spike Audience Award Pilar Miró Prize for Best New Director Mounia Meddour Philadelphia Film Festival 27 October 2019 Archie Award for Best First Feature Papicha Carthage Film Festival 2 November 2019 Tanit d'OrMounia Meddour Thessaloniki International Film Festival 10 November 2019 Award by the Greek Chapter of Women in Film & Television Satellite Awards 19 December 2019 Humanitarian Award César Awards 28 February 2020 Best First Feature Film Papicha Most Promising Actress Lyna Khoudri
See also List of submissions to the 92nd Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film List of Algerian submissions for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film
References
External links