Viva Algeria (2004)

Made in 2004, this critically acclaimed French Drama from director Nadir Moknèche is about three women living in Algeria who are caught between modern society and Islamic fundamentalism, self-determination and dependence. Set in Algiers, during the the winter of 2003, the three women have been living in a hotel in the centre of town since the violence started. The daughter has chosen a modern, emancipated life for herself by working for a photographer, taking a generous married lover and spending steamy weekends in nightclubs. Her faithful friend, prostitutes herself under the thumb of a powerful and “kind” protector. Meanwhile the mother bides time, torn between fear and nostalgia.