'Papicha': Release date, plot, cast, trailer and all you need to know about the Algerian film releasing on VOD

The film was selected as the Algerian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards

BY LAKSHANA PALAT

PUBLISHED MAY 27, 2020

It's lockdown and you are looking for a film to watch. You have run through Netflix, Prime and Hotstar. Now what? What film could make you sit up straight with undivided attention or make you feel warm and fuzzy and give you hope for better days to come? Well, we don't know about the second option, but we can definitely help you with the first. 'Papicha' is getting a video on demand release and that just might be of some interest to you. The film was selected as the Algerian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards, but it was not nominated. The film was also screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival. The story revolves around women stuck in hostile lands, determined to break free of the stringent rules imposed on them. It's about fighting back against oppressive regimes, using fashion as a tool.

So grab your popcorn, sit on the couch and watch 'Papicha', if you are into drama-thrillers. Have fun, folks.

Release date

'Papicha' released last year on May 17, 2019. Now, it is getting a video on demand release and will be available on Friday (May 28).

Plot

The official synopsis on Metacritic reads: "Algiers, 1997. The country is in the hands of terrorist groups, seeking to establish an Islamic and archaic state. Women are particularly affected and oppressed by primitive diktas, who seek to take control of their bodies and control their passage through the public space. While a frenzied hunt for women unveiled is launched, Nedjma, a young student passionate about fashion, is determined to federate the girls of her campus to organize a fashion show braving all the forbidden."

Cast

The film has a stellar cast that includes Aida Ghechoud, Amine Mentseur, Amira Hilda Douaouda, Lyna Khoudri, Marwan Zeghbib, Meriem Medjkrane, Nadia Kaci, Samir El Hakim, Shirine Boutella, Yasin Houicha and Zahra Manel Doumandji.