Set in a predominantly North African housing project just outside of Paris, this prescient 1997 dramedy from director Mahmoud Zemmouri follows a group of friends who escape the poverty and prejudice of their daily lives by forming a band called Rap Oriental. Their rai music (an infectious fusion of rap and traditional North African tunes) lifts their spirits – and their fans' – but offends some of their conservative and extremely religious elders. Starring Khaled and Cheb Mami, two popular real-life rai stars, this spirited and entertaining movie conceals a serious and very timely message.
