'Papicha': Meet the cast of the Algerian film releasing on VOD
In a world where women are oppressed, one woman uses her sense of fashion as a means to revolt. This forms the premise of the Algerian film 'Papicha', which will digitally release on May 28. The film was selected as the Algerian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards, but it was not nominated. Papicha's inclusion in the race was threatened when local authorities in Algeria stalled the movie's limited theatrical release in September 21 — making it impossible for 'Papicha' to screen in Algeria before the September 30 deadline, which is required to qualify for inclusion in this category. The film was canceled without any explanation. The film was meant to be released by Centre algérien du développement du cinéma (Algerian Center of Cinema Development).
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. The official synopsis of the film 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."
The film stars Lyna Khoudri, Shirine Boutella and Amira Hilda Douaouda. The other cast members include Aida Ghechoud, Amine Mentseur, Marwan Zeghbib, Meriem Medjkrane, Nadia Kaci, Samir El Hakim, Yasin Houicha and Zahra Manel Doumandji.
Here is a little something about the lead cast of this special film.
Lyna Khoudri
Khoudri plays the main role of Nedjma in 'Papicha'. Her other films include 'The Blessed' and 'The French Dispatch'. At a young age, Khoudri is well on her way to stardom. she won the Orizzonti Award for Best Actress at the 74th Venice International Film Festival and received a Cesar Award nomination for Most Promising Actress.
Shirine Boutella
Boutella plays the role of Wassila in the film. Apart from Papicha, she is known for 'Arsene Lupin' and 'Quotidien'.
Amira Hilda Douaouda
Douaouda is known for 'El Achiq' and 'Touiza'.
'Papicha' is Mounia Meddour's directorial debut.
