AllMovie

Saad Chraibi's melodrama, Femmes ... et Femmes is an insightful look at contemporary Moroccan life and the roles of women in a male dominated society. The story takes place in present day Casablanca where Zakia Mouna Fettou, a beautiful young woman, is the host of a woman's program on a TV station. Her work is very important to her. One day, she receives a phone call from an old girlfriend, Leila, whom she has not seen in years. Through Leila, she also meets two other girlfriends, Keltoum and Ghita, with whom she had lost contact. Although they are very different in nature and lead different lives, the women decide to join forces to face the world together. Contrary to previous Moroccan films on similar issues, Chraibi's film does not portray women as helpless victims of an oppressive society. His characters belong to a new generation of educated urban women who have confidence in themselves. The director tries to render his message with a realistic approach, capturing emotional moments with silent camera work. Femmes ... et Femmes was screened as part of the International Forum of New Cinema section of the 49th Berlin Film Festival, 1999.