Atrailer has been released for “Divines,” Houda Benyamina’s coming-of-age drama that won the hearts of critics and audiences at Cannes earlier this year.
When asked by a teacher what she wants out of life, teenager Dounia (Oulaya Amamra) is succinct. Without hesitating she responds, “Money, money, money.” She and her best friend Maimouna (Déborah Lukumuena) dream of finding fortune, power, and respect — to live lives unlike the ones they currently lead in their impoverished banlieue in Paris.
It’s not long before the BFFs seek out drug dealing as a means of solving their problems. As the trailer hints, the lucrative job is not without risks.
“‘Divines’ is a political film, but it is also a human story about love, friendship, and Dounia’s journey to adulthood,” Beyamina told Women and Hollywood.
The French director explained that she felt compelled to make “Divines” after seeing a documentary “where young offenders in custody were dancing a traditional African dance in front of dumbfounded policemen, who themselves looked like district youth workers.” The image stayed with and inspired her.
The drama took home the Camera d’Or at Cannes. Netflix scooped up “Divines” earlier this year. A release date hasn’t been announced yet, but you’ll be able to stream the film sometime later this year.
