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Papicha (2019): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Papicha (2019) movie poster

Papicha is a 2019 drama directed by Mounia Meddour, starring Lyna Khoudri as Nedjma, Nadia Kaci and Ahmed Benaissa. It runs 1 hour 48 minutes and earned $2.1 million worldwide. Its Echo Score is 78/100.

worldwide gross
$2.1M
Echo Score
78
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Papicha (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 48m (108 min)
Director
Mounia Meddour
Genre
Drama
Original language
French
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Papicha About?

The premise of Papicha without spoilers.

Amidst the escalating tensions of the Algerian Civil War, 18-year-old Nedjma, a fashion design student, strives to maintain a sense of normalcy. As conservative forces impose increasingly restrictive rules, she defiantly organizes a fashion show as an act of rebellion and a celebration of self-expression. Determined to reclaim a vibrant social life, Nedjma challenges the growing oppression with creativity and courage.

Papicha Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • algeria
  • 1990s
  • hijab
  • algerian civil war
  • one word title
  • female protagonist
  • teenage girl
  • friendship
  • cigarette smoking
  • nightclub
  • running on the beach
  • sea
+38 more
  • arranged marriage
  • singing
  • police control
  • college dorm
  • fashion show
  • dress making
  • sister murdered
  • attempted rape
  • friends quarrel
  • oppression of women
  • mass murder
  • islamic fundamentalism
  • changing clothes in public
  • woman changing clothes in a car
  • reference to the arabian nights
  • death of sister
  • swimsuit
  • year 1997
  • friendship between women
  • title directed by female
  • written by director
  • algiers algeria
  • female friendship
  • university campus
  • makeup
  • telling a joke
  • reference to planet of the apes
  • reference to the titanic
  • bus
  • beach
  • playing soccer
  • birthday
  • candle
  • sewing machine
  • drawing
  • scissors
  • university student
  • f rated
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Cast & crew

Papicha Cast & Characters

Lyna Khoudri leads the cast as Nedjma, with Nadia Kaci as Madame Kamissi and Ahmed Benaissa as Hafid. Directed by Mounia Meddour; 23 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Papicha

· 19 more
Show all 23 cast members
From the director

More from Mounia Meddour

More films directed by Mounia Meddour: Houria and Edwige.

Full filmography
Ratings

Papicha Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 78/100, strongest in art & craft (83) and weakest in story & flow (68).

78 /100

Papicha Echo Score Breakdown

Papicha delivers a vivid portrait of women's resistance during Algeria's civil war, anchored by strong visual design and compelling performances. Critics commend the film's striking cinematography, bold direction, and authentic cultural details, while a single dissenting voice notes a lack of subtlety in character nuance. Audience feedback highlights intense emotional impact and an inventive narrative, though some scene constructions feel forced. The overall impression is one of a resonant, artistically ambitious debut that largely succeeds despite occasional narrative rough edges.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 83

    In terms of art and craft, the film excels with lively cinematography and a meticulous production design that foregrounds vibrant fabrics and period detail. Critics praise the use of color and costume work as evidence of the director's visual sensibility. The editing maintains a brisk rhythm that supports the story’s urgency. Consequently, the technical elements collectively raise the film’s artistic merit to a high level.

  • Character & Emotion 72

    When evaluating character and emotion, performances are generally praised for their energy and conviction, especially the lead actress’s commitment to her role. Viewers note the emotional resonance of the protagonists’ struggle. However, one critic points to a lack of subtlety in character portrayal, suggesting that depth is sometimes sacrificed for immediacy. Overall, the acting contributes positively, though character nuance could be more refined.

  • Story & Flow 68

    The story and flow receive mixed feedback. Reviewers admire the film’s unique perspective on a rarely covered conflict and its inventive symbolism, describing it as engaging and potent. Yet some observations highlight forced narrative moments and a perceived deficiency in nuanced storytelling. The pacing remains measured, but occasional plot roughness tempers the otherwise promising narrative structure.

  • Sensory Experience 78

    Sensory experience is a notable strength, with critics highlighting the vivid cinematography, rich color palette, and textured sound design that together create an immersive atmosphere. The soundtrack complements the visual style without overwhelming it, and the overall sensory cohesion reinforces the film’s emotional tone. This consistent attention to sensory detail enhances audience immersion.

  • Rewatch Factor 74

    Rewatch factor is solid, as viewers comment on the film’s lasting energy and the discovery of new thematic layers upon subsequent viewings. The blend of drama and documentary aesthetics, coupled with the cultural insights, encourages repeat engagement. While no explicit rewatch statements appear, the expressed desire for further exploration suggests a respectable replay value.

Box office

Papicha Box Office

Papicha grossed $2.1 million worldwide.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$2.1M

International
$2.1M
Videos

Papicha Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 3 trailers.

PAPICHA - Official Trailer
  • Trailer Papicha | Trailer
  • Trailer PAPICHA - Official UK Trailer - Out August 7th

Seen Papicha?

FAQ

Papicha FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, post-credit scenes and language of Papicha, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Papicha?

Papicha runs 1 hour 48 minutes (108 minutes).

When was Papicha released?

Papicha was released on May 17, 2019.

Who directed Papicha?

Papicha was directed by Mounia Meddour.

More films by Mounia Meddour

Who is in the cast of Papicha?

Papicha stars Lyna Khoudri as Nedjma, Nadia Kaci as Madame Kamissi and Ahmed Benaissa as Hafid, among 23 credited actors.

How much did Papicha make at the box office?

Papicha grossed $2.1 million worldwide.

Does Papicha have a post-credit scene?

No. Papicha has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Papicha in?

The original language of Papicha is French.

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