Papicha is a 2019 French-Algerian drama film directed by Mounia Meddour. The film is based on the director's own experience of living in Algiers during the Civil War in the 1990s. The story follows the life of Nedjma, a young student at the University of Algiers, who is passionate about fashion and determined to break the barriers that women face under the rule of terrorist groups.
Doing what she can to make her way in a patriarchal society, Nedjma assembles a group of friends and starts to organize clandestine fashion shows in her apartment. Meanwhile, the country is in turmoil, with bombings and assassinations occurring on a regular basis. Nedjma and her friends must balance their love of fashion and beauty with the constant fear of violence and oppression.
The film explores the themes of gender oppression, resistance against terrorism, and the power of creativity in the face of adversity. It features an all-female cast, with Lyna Khoudri playing the lead role of Nedjma, alongside Shirine Boutella, Amira Hilda Douaouda, and Zahra Manel Doumandji.
Released to critical acclaim, Papicha premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019 and was Algeria's submission for the Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards. The film received numerous awards and nominations, including the César Award for Best First Feature Film.