Draft:Soula

Introduction

The 2021 Film Soula follows the titular narrative of an unwed mother who is rejected by her own family and undertakes a hazardous overnight voyage in pursuit of safety and dignity for herself and her infant daughter . The Algerian drama is directed and written by Issaad Salah, with Soula Bahri co-writing the script and starring in the title role. The film combines cinéma vérité techniques with a socially conscious narrative, drawing on Bahri's own life experiences to deliver a deeply personal and immersive drama . Integrating aspects of social realism with road movie aesthetics, Soula presents a vivid portrayal of marginalization and survival in contemporary Algerian culture

Cast

• Soula Bahri - Lead Actress & Co-Writer
• Idir Benaibouche - Director & Co-Writer
• Franck Yvrai - Director of Photography ]
• Zahra Harkat - Editor [IMDB]
• Amina Belabed - Sound Designer
• Abdenacer Arab - Producer
• Mohamed Seghir Bendaoud - Sound Recordist
• Djelali Boudjemaa - First Assistant Director
• Mokhtar Morsli - Production Manager
• Ali Bentayeb - Gaffer
• Aymen Bensaad - Grip
• Djalla Rouane - Art Director

setting

Soula takes place over one night in contemporary Algeria, unfolding during a 14-hour journey through streets, highways, and isolated roadside spaces. The setting shifts constantly yet remains confined within cars and shadowy urban outskirts. These spaces reflect the protagonist's emotional dislocation and physical vulnerability after being thrown out of her home for becoming pregnant out of wedlock. The darkness of night further intensifies feelings of danger and isolation, framing the world around her as both indifferent and threatening

Editing

The film employs long takes, minimal cuts, and a restrained, real-time narrative structure to heighten emotional tension and immerse the viewer in Soula's experience . Much of the action is shot from inside cars, using fixed or handheld cameras to create a claustrophobic effect. This approach makes the viewer feel trapped alongside Soula, underscoring her lack of agency and the oppressive environment she navigates. The editing style avoids sensationalism, allowing discomfort and realism to unfold without interruption

process

Soula is based on the true story of Soula Bahri, an Algerian woman who her family disowned after becoming pregnant outside of marriage. Director Salah Issaad discovered her story on Facebook. He contacted her, inviting her to co-write the script and portray herself, resulting in a narrative shaped by her own experience The casting process prioritized non-professional actors to preserve the story's raw emotional tone, with many scenes partially improvised to reflect Soula's unfiltered reactions . Much of the film was shot inside cars or on the road at night, using handheld and car-mounted cameras, which kept the visual perspective close to Soula's and reflected her isolation and instability . The process as a whole, rooted in lived experience and minimalist filmmaking, serves as both resistance and testimony against the patriarchal norms that confine women like her . Despite its unconventional approach, Soula received international acclaim, including the Best Film award at FESPACO, with critics praising its emotional impact and the strength of its process-based storytelling .

Narrative

The narrative follows Soula, a young woman forced to leave home with her infant daughter and find shelter through the night. As she moves from one encounter to another, she meets people who either exploit her vulnerability or offer fleeting kindness. The events unfold almost in real time, placing the viewer inside her desperate and unstable world. The film mixes real memories with fictionalized storytelling, turning Soula's night-long journey into both a physical ordeal and a critique of societal hypocrisy

Critical Response

The film industry has recognized Soula because of its powerful narrative and genuine representation of poor communities in current Algerian society. The film presents a realistic story about an unmarried mother who experiences social rejection and faces poverty and dangerous conditions.The film's authenticity comes from Soula Bahri's actual life experiences because she co-wrote and acted in the movie with director Issaad Salah. The documentary-like quality of cinéma vérité techniques creates an immersive experience that realistically portrays the protagonist's struggles.

The 92-minute film premiered at the Red Sea International Film Festival in 2021. The film received numerous international festival showings including the Beirut International Women's Film Festival where it won Best Feature Fiction and the Malmö Arab Film Festival where it won Best Film and Best Actress in Sweden. The film received recognition through several awards, showcasing both the movie's influence and Bahri's outstanding performance in the lead role.

The movie received praise from critics because it presented unflinching realism while addressing social issues. The film received positive reviews across a lot of platforms because it effectively addressed topics such as gender discrimination, social rejection, and maternal strength. The autobiographical elements of the story increased the emotional impact and authenticity of the film while the basic visual elements generated a feeling of tension and urgency. The film Soula stands as a vital addition to Arab cinema while delivering an essential cinematic portrayal of women's experiences under patriarchal systems.