May Allah Bless France! (Qu’Allah bénisse la France!)

Saturday, March 7, 2015

Q&A with Abd Al Malik!

Celebrated rapper and spoken word artist Abd Al Malik makes his directorial debut with MAY ALLAH BLESS FRANCE!, a candid account of his early life and artistic awakening that earned him the FIPRESCI Discovery Prize at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival. Born Régis Fayette-Mikano to Congolese immigrants, he grew up in Strasbourg’s housing projects, participating in petty crimes that cost the lives of his friends. He found release in writing and performance, converting to Sufism at age 24 and penning the memoir that informed this adaptation. Marc Zinga ably inhabits the role of young Régis, movingly limning his journey to redemption. Shot in black and white, the film visually and thematically recalls Mathieu Kassovitz’s seminal urban crime drama La Haine. Nominated for two César Awards including Best Debut Feature.

Additional screenings March 8 at the Film Society of Lincoln Center and BAM.

Watch the trailer online:

Part of Rendez-Vous with French Cinema 2015

• Country France
• Language In French with English subtitles
• Rating NR
• Running Time 95 minutes
• Director Abd Al Malik

IFC Center does not generally provide advisories about subject matter or potentially triggering content in films, as sensitivities vary from person to person. In addition to the synopses, trailers and other links on our website, further information about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media, IMDb and DoesTheDogDie.com as well as through general internet searches.