Mounia Meddour’s New Film on Opera Singer’s Rise

Mounia Meddour, the acclaimed director behind the César Award-winning film ‘Papicha,’ is embarking on a new cinematic journey with her latest project, ‘Malika.’ This exclusive announcement reveals a powerful and deeply personal story centered on the extraordinary life of French-Algerian opera singer Malika Bellaribi, who defied her humble beginnings in the Parisian slums to achieve international recognition in the world of lyrical singing. The film promises an intimate portrayal of resilience, identity, and the transformative power of art.

Meddour, known for her compelling narratives exploring female strength and societal challenges, is set to bring Bellaribi’s inspiring true story to the screen, charting her path from trauma and adversity to becoming a celebrated artist. The production is gearing up to commence filming in the Paris region, with an eclectic and talented cast assembled to breathe life into this poignant biopic.

The Remarkable Journey of Malika Bellaribi

‘Malika’ will delve into the formative years of Malika Bellaribi, beginning with her upbringing in Nanterre, an underprivileged suburb of Paris, within a family of Algerian immigrants. Her early life was marked by significant trauma, including an accident that left her severely injured and subsequently abandoned by her parents. Forced into a prolonged period of recovery and rehabilitation in a hospital, Bellaribi discovered an unexpected solace and pathway to healing through music and singing.

Guided by an unconventional professor, a role to be played by the distinguished Elsa Zylberstein, Bellaribi’s innate talent and unwavering determination propelled her forward. Her journey culminated in performances on prestigious stages, including the renowned Scala in Milan, and she was honorably recognized by the French government in 2012 with the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters award. The film aims to capture this incredible ascent, highlighting how art became her redemption and ultimate triumph over adversity.

Mounia Meddour’s Artistic Vision and Thematic Depth

Director Mounia Meddour has expressed her ambition for ‘Malika’ to be an immersive and impactful biopic, focusing intently on themes of “reconstruction, identity, and the redemptive power of art.” Beyond Bellaribi’s personal struggles, the film will also explore broader societal issues, including the Algerian immigrant experience and the presence of racism in France during the 1960s and 1990s.

Meddour intends to depart from conventional biopic aesthetics. She plans to employ intense close-ups and intricate sound design to underscore Malika’s profound emotional journey, her struggles, and her ultimate rebirth. This stylistic choice aims to provide a raw and intimate perspective on Bellaribi’s transformation, mirroring the director’s signature approach to storytelling.

An Ensemble Cast Brings the Story to Life

The role of Malika Bellaribi will be portrayed by Lilya Adad, a talent who gained recognition as a finalist on “The Voice” in 2018 and has performed in the acclaimed French musical “Starmania.” Adad leads an impressive ensemble, including award-winning actors such as Elsa Zylberstein, known for “I’ve Loved You So Long” and the Simone Veil biopic, and Lubna Azabal, internationally recognized for her roles in films like Denis Villeneuve’s “Incendies” and “The Blue Caftan.”

The cast is further strengthened by Camille Razat from “Emily in Paris” and Djebril Zonga, known for “Les Misérables.” Filming for ‘Malika’ is scheduled to commence on November 21st, 2025, in the Paris region. The film is a co-production, with Meddour producing through her newly established Jade Films banner, alongside Fannie Pailloux at Apaches Films and Patrick André at High Sea Production.

Connecting Threads: Meddour’s Signature Focus on Resilient Women

Co-written by Joanne Giger, ‘Malika’ shares thematic commonalities with Mounia Meddour’s previous critically acclaimed works, ‘Papicha’ and ‘Houria.’ Both earlier films showcased strong-willed female protagonists who navigate challenging circumstances in their fight for freedom and survival. ‘Papicha’ depicted rebellious young women in Algeria resisting fundamentalism, while ‘Houria’ told the story of a ballet dancer overcoming a violent attack. These films, both starring Lyna Khoudri, established Meddour’s reputation for sensitive yet powerful explorations of female resilience, a thread that ‘Malika’ is poised to continue.

‘Malika’ represents an exciting new chapter for Mounia Meddour, promising a deeply moving and inspiring cinematic experience. With its compelling true story, a director known for her profound insights, and a talented cast, the film is set to offer a powerful reflection on the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity through the transformative power of art and self-discovery.