100 Percent Arabica

One hundred percent Arabic is what the locals call their rent controlled neighborhood on the outskirts of Paris. Two leaders of a "Rap Oriental" band run into conflict with the imam Slimane who runs his mosque on the kickbacks he strong-arms from local merchants. The mayor, who is up for re-election, backs Slimane on the theory that religion will keep the neighborhood delinquents out of trouble.

Art/Foreign. 1 hr. 26 min.
Not Rated.

Starring: Cheb Mami, Khaled, Mouss, Najim Laouariga and Fatid Fedier
Directed by Mahmoud Zemmouri.
Distributor: ArtMattan Productions

Review

The New York Times
"If 100 Percent Arabica is high-spirited, it is chaotically assembled. It leaves too many subplots undeveloped and barely addresses some of the political and social issues. But as they say, the beat goes on. And no matter what is happening in the movie, as soon as it bursts into song it feels good."

More

Interview with director Mahmoud Zemmouri
Algerian director Mahmoud Zemmouri had a "fatwa" (or death warrant) issued against him by Islamic fundamentalists upon the release of his 5th feature film.

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