Nedjma, an 18-year-old student passionate about fashion design refuses to let the tragic events of the Algerian Civil War keep her from experiencing a normal life. As the social climate becomes more conservative, she rejects the new bans set by the radicals and decides to put on a fashion show.

A view of societal turmoil through the lens of a young woman's experiences, Papicha acts as a compelling calling card for debuting writer-director Mounia Meddour Gens.