Divines was first screened as part of the Director’s Fortnight (La Quinzaine des Réalisateurs) and tells the story of Dounia, a woman from a suburb where trafficking and religion run side by side. Dounia, who is eager for power and success, decides to follow the footsteps of a respected dealer in her milieu. But her life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters a young sensuous dancer. Benyamina has resorted to cinema as a useful way to ask questions in society and highlight the poverty and misery present in France. Inspired from her own life story, the film has turned into a feminist message about women who seek power and recognition.
It was to nobody’s surprise when the first phrase included in Houda’s acceptance speech was “Women, Cannes belongs to us! It’s our place!”