The Culturist Film Club - Online: Divines (April 26) & The Silences of the Palace (April 28)

Last week I started a new online film club, where I suggest a film and give you a few days to watch and schedule a date to have an online discussion about it.

I received positive feedback and was told to keep it going after doing the two sessions last week.

So here’s my recommendations for a second week of the film club.

Divines
Director: Houda Benyamina
France, 2016, French with English subtitles, 105 min

The story revolves around 15-year-old Dounia, who lives with her mother on the Les Pyramides estate, where she is known by the nickname “bâtarde” (“Bastard”). She builds up a protective tomboy image for herself and resolves to become a big shot in the neighbourhood. An intense friendship and a passionate love affair will then force her to face up to her contradictions.

Where to watch: Available on Netflix

Online film club discussion date: Sunday, April 26 at 9.00pm (UAE time)

RSVP: Send an email to hind.mezaina@gmail.com by April 25, 9.00pm (UAE), subject line, RSVP DIVINES

Discussion format: Group session on Zoom. I will send a link by 5.00pm on April 26.

The Silences of the Palace / Samt Al Qusur
Director: Moufida Tlatli
Tunisia / France, 1994, Arabic, French with English subtitles, 123 min

The Silences of the Palace is the story of the daughter of a beautiful servant Khedija, named Alia. As Alia, grows up in the Kings Palace at the end of the French colonial rule in Tunisia, she realises the sexual favours required of her mother and other servants.

Moufida Tlatli’s debut feature won several awards (Cannes Film Festival's Golden Camera, Toronto Film Festival's International Critics' Award, the Golden Tanit of Carthage, British Film Institute Awards' Sutherland Trophy, and Istanbul International Film Festival's Golden Tulip) and is in the list of top 100 Arab Films published by Dubai International Film Festival in 2013.

Where to watch: Available on Youtube, click here to watch it.

Online film club discussion date: Tuesday, April 28 at 9.00pm (UAE time)

RSVP: Send an email to hind.mezaina@gmail.com by April 27, 9.00pm (UAE), subject line, RSVP SILENCE OF THE PALACES

Discussion format: Group session on Zoom. I will send a link by 5.00pm on April 28.

Past Editions:
April 19: Atlantique (Mati Diop, 2019)
April 21: Exterior / Night (Ahmad Abdalla, 2018)