Divines

Throughout 2013, Houda Benyamina and co-writer Romain Compingt developed their script as part of Le Groupe Ouest’s Annual Selection (along with Ralitza Petrova, Golden Leopard at Locarno 2016 with Godless) in Plouneour-Brignogan.

We discovered Houda Benyamina’s work with her medium-length film, “Sur la route du paradis”, which already showed unique clout and humanity. In her writing, the slightest secondary role is sculpted with love, the smallest line has punch! Based on a very well-constructed script, “Divines”, her first feature film, made her the good news of the year in 2016 for French cinema.

Synopsis

In a ghetto where religion and drug trafficking rub shoulders, Dounia has a lust for power and success. Supported by Maimouna, her best friend, she decides to follow in the footsteps of Rebecca, a respected dealer. Her encounter with Djigui, a young, disturbingly sensual dancer, throws her off course.

Houda Benyamina & Romain Compingt at Le Groupe Ouest | © Brigitte Bouillot