Divines

Set in a gritty banlieue where religion, music, and street dealings collide, Divines tracks Dounia, a teen hungry for power and a quicker ascent. Her best friend Maimouna backs her as she eyes the street's codes and the promise of easy status. Dounia mimics Rebecca, a respected dealer who seems to offer a shortcut to respect. But a chance meeting with Djigui, a magnetic dancer whose presence unsettles her, pulls her plans off kilter. The story follows their choices as ambition collides with loyalty, danger, and the lure of a more glittering life, all unfolding with urgent, unsparing realism. The camera lingers on tight spaces, storefronts, and crowded rooms, capturing the rhythm of street life without glamorizing it for viewers.

Released in 2016 and directed by Houda Benyamina, Divines is written by Romain Compingt and Malik Rumeau. It marks Benyamina's breakout feature and is based on an original screenplay, premiering at Cannes worldwide.

It won the Caméra d'Or at Cannes 2016, recognizing Benyamina's debut and the film's sharp voice about youth and urban life. The award helped bring international attention to its raw performances and authentic portrayal of two young women negotiating a tough world. Critics praised the energy and the performances.

Divines sparked discussions about class and gender in contemporary France and the experiences of immigrant families in Paris neighborhoods. It helped launch the film careers of Oulaya Amamra and Déborah Lukumuena, whose performances drew praise for fearlessness and presence. It also sparked conversations about representation in French cinema.

Critics praised Divines for its brisk pace, bold performances, and unvarnished look at ambition, loyalty, and the pull of a flashy life. The film balances social critique with intimate character study, offering a snapshot of friendship strained by circumstance. Its energetic style invites discussion on how social forces shape choices.