The enchanting story of Nedjma, Besties is set in the Parisian banlieue, tackling class, immigration and homophobia in an alternative Romeo & Juliet-style picture
BY ELEANOR NOYCE, IMAGE BY BFI FLARE
DIVA: Describe your film in three words.
First love & reputation.
DIVA: Could you tell me a little about your background as a filmmaker? What inspired you to get into film?
As a kid, I didn’t have TV at home but I used to live near a very good movie theatre. Movies from all around the world like Yiyi by Edward Yang were a big aesthetic shock for me.
DIVA: Could you tell me a little bit about your film?
Besties is the portrait of Nedjma, a young girl that discovers first love and who has to choose between her friends and her new girlfriend.
DIVA: What inspired you to make this film?
As a student, I used to work part time as a volunteer in an association helping kids with their homework in a very poor neighbourhood in Paris. There, I met teenagers whose parents came from Maghreb or West Africa. I spent six years working with them and learning about their world. They inspired the characters in the film.
DIVA: What does a screening at BFI Flare mean to you?
I’m honoured and also very curious to see how an English audience will react to this story.
DIVA: Who is your favourite LGBTQI on-screen figure, be it a director, an actor or a character?
The swedish film Fucking Amal by Lukas Moodysson.
DIVA: If you could have audiences take one message from your film, what would it be and why?
Hope… even if it’s difficult.
DIVA: Finally: what do you think the future of film looks like?
I hope that audiences will keep going to the movie theatre…it’s the best way to watch a film!
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