2024-11-26 17:28:00
Rabia ***
Mareike Engelhardt
French film, 1h35
For Jessica and Laïla, 19 years old, the future is in Syria, with the Daesh fighters. Carer, Jessica fervently follows her friend as she leaves to join her lover, Akram, of whom they will become co-wives. A way to turn your back on an unsatisfactory everyday life and take back the reins of your life. When they arrived in Rakka in June 2014, they were welcomed to await their wedding in a Righta women’s house where lonely people like them live, but also widows with their children.
The mysterious journey of these women
In this first film, Mareike Engelhardt offers a difficult chronicle and a fascinating reflection on the path of newly converted women who have decided to leave everything to put themselves in the hands of an organization that deprives them of their most basic rights.
It does not describe the powerful propaganda deployed on social networks to lure them into the hell of Raqqa but focuses on life behind the closed doors of Rightdescribed on the basis of the testimonies of French women returning from Syria. Likewise, he constructed the character of Madame, the director of the Right 66, according to Fatiha Mejjati, alias Oum Adam, wanted for crimes against humanity.
Granddaughter of Germans who were members of the Hitler Youth, the director investigates evil with its mechanisms of dehumanization but also of adhesion. Charismatic, Lubna Azabal plays Madame, somewhere between manipulative seduction and pure cruelty. At the center of this film rich in the psychological complexity of its characters, Jessica (Oum Rabia) takes Madame’s side first to save her skin, then to monopolize part of her omnipotence for her own benefit.
Megan Northam embodies this with a charming mix of childhood and tenacity. Even if the film leaves the violence partly off-screen, Rabia it comes across as harsh and disturbing. Its direct staging reflects Jessica’s internal state and her place in the world Rightfrom its darkest depths to its luxurious upper floors.
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How does the film “Rabia” challenge stereotypes about women involved in extremism?
Interview: Time.news Editor with Mareike Engelhardt, Director of Rabia
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Mareike. It’s a pleasure to have you with us today to discuss your thought-provoking film Rabia. This film certainly shines a spotlight on a complex and often misunderstood subject. What inspired you to tell this particular story about Jessica and Laïla’s journey to Syria?
Mareike Engelhardt: Thank you for having me! The inspiration for Rabia came from a desire to explore the psychological and emotional facets of why young women, like Jessica and Laïla, might feel compelled to join extremist groups. It’s easy to label them as misguided, but I wanted to delve into their motivations and contextualize their decisions within their search for agency and purpose in life.
Editor: That’s a crucial perspective. Many audiences might find it difficult to empathize with women who choose such extreme paths. How did you approach their portrayal to ensure that viewers could understand their motivations, even if they don’t agree with their choices?
Engelhardt: It was essential for us to humanize Jessica and Laïla. We focused on their backgrounds and the dissatisfaction they felt with their lives prior to joining Daesh. By showing their struggles with identity, societal pressures, and personal aspirations, we aimed to illustrate that their choices, while extreme, are rooted in a quest for belonging and empowerment. I believe this approach encourages viewers to reflect on the complexities of radicalization.
Editor: You depict their arrival in Raqqa with a sense of anticipation, yet it’s, of course, tinged with the reality of the situation. How did you balance the initial allure of the lifestyle with the darker undertones of what they were walking into?
Engelhardt: Balancing that portrayal was quite challenging. We played with visual storytelling to contrast their expectations with the harsh realities. The initial warm welcome they receive at the women’s house is juxtaposed against moments that highlight the oppressive environment they eventually find themselves in. This duality is intended to evoke a sense of tension and foreshadow the consequences of their choices.
Editor: The film seems to be a journey not only for the characters but also for the audience. What do you hope viewers take away from Rabia?
Engelhardt: My hope is that the film sparks conversations about the nuances of radicalization and the systems that contribute to it. I want viewers to leave with a deeper understanding of the emotional and psychological landscapes that can drive young people towards extremism. Ultimately, the goal is to foster empathy without condoning the actions they take.
Editor: It sounds like Rabia is not just a film about Syria, but a broader commentary on youth, agency, and the search for belonging. As a director, how do you think arts and cinema play a role in addressing such global issues?
Engelhardt: Cinema has a unique power to evoke emotions and provoke thought. By telling stories like that of Jessica and Laïla, we can challenge stereotypes and foster understanding across cultural divides. Art can be a conversation starter, and I believe it’s crucial for filmmakers to tackle complex issues to create a more informed and empathetic audience.
Editor: This is an essential message, especially in today’s polarized world. Thank you, Mareike, for sharing your insights and for creating such an impactful film. We look forward to seeing Rabia resonate with audiences.
Engelhardt: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss the film and its themes. I hope viewers find it as engaging and enlightening as we intended.
