Algeria, the 1990s civil war, violent fundamentalists limit women’s freedom. Nedjma (charismatic Lyna Khoudri), in year 3 of French studies in college, is obsessed with fashion designing. Everyday life soon becomes more restrictive and even life-threatening, yet Nedjma and her best friend still find ways to sneak-out of their locked dormitory at night and sell handmade dresses in discotheque washrooms. Many of Nedjma’s contemporaries have emigrated, but Nedjma refuses to leave her beloved Algeria. Why not assert female pride and independence by organizing a fashion show, outfoxing the radicals?
Inspired by real events, first-time director-co-screenwriter Mounia Meddour spins a harrowing tale bursting with energy.