Zarha Benaissa Movies
- 1998
Zaida Ghorab-Volta directed this French drama about 58-year-old Monique (Andree Damant) who lives in a small apartment in the projects on the outskirts of Paris. She retires from assembly-line work with a small textile company, only to learn that her retirement benefits barely match her rent. One of her daughters, Giselle (Aurelia Petit) plans to enter the Drama Conservatory in Paris, while her other daughter Sandra (Lise Payen) is recovering from a suicide attempt. The film explores the relationships between these three. Shown in the Cinemas in France section at the 1998 Cannes Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Andrée Damant, Aurelia Petit, (more)
- 1995
A young French immigrant from the Middle-East struggles to grow up in the housing projects surrounding Paris in this drama. The young woman faces many obstacles. Though she is in her twenties, Mimouna is forced to live with her domineering father and his traditionally submissive wife. Her younger siblings have eschewed Algerian traditions, and so does Mimouna, but only to a point, for she can also see the value of keeping her cultural heritage alive. Whether or not she chooses to live a traditional Algerian existence or that of the modern Western woman, Mimouna realizes that her gender restricts her opportunities in life. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Zarha Benaissa, Salah Teskouk, (more)
