Movies - Hood Witch: an ambitious Action Thriller by Saïd Belktibia

By Mulder, 29 march 2024

French cinema is about to welcome a bold new entrant to the thriller/action genre with the release of Hood Witch, scheduled for May 15. Directed by Saïd Belktibia and produced by the renowned Ladj Ly, the film marks a striking entry into the cinematic landscape with a captivating premise and a cast of diverse talents.

Roqya plunges viewers into the gripping story of Nour, played by Golshifteh Farahani. Making a living smuggling exotic animals for healers, Nour's life is turned upside down when a consultation goes awry, leaving her falsely accused of witchcraft. A frantic chase ensues, with Nour becoming the target of the locals, desperate to save her son while fighting to prove her innocence.

The plot of Hod witch is nourished by the personal experience of Saïd Belktibia, who shares a piece of his childhood marked by occult practices in an in-depth interview. The director emphasizes the importance of depicting the violence generated by the Internet and social networks, a theme already explored in his short film Ghettotube. This new work aims to modernize the witch hunt, anchoring its narrative in contemporary and universal issues such as female independence, motherhood, and survival in a hyper-connected but profoundly isolating world.

Alongside Golshifteh Farahani, the film sees Jérémy Ferrari, well known for his biting humor, in his first dramatic film role, playing a complex, multidimensional character who enriches the film's dynamics and stakes. Denis Lavant, Amine Zarouhi and Issaka Sawadogo complete the cast, bringing richness and depth to the story.

Making Hood Witch was a significant challenge for Saïd Belktibia, who wanted to combine entertainment and reflection. Inspired by Korean cinema and keen to avoid the pitfalls of naturalism, he aims to immerse viewers in an immersive experience, inviting reflection on beliefs, technology and human relationships.

The music, by Flemming Nordkrog, and the cinematography by Benoit Soler contribute to Roqya's unique atmosphere, promising a cinematic experience as visually captivating as it is emotionally compelling.

The trailer, due to be released on April 3 in France, will give viewers a taste of the intensity and suspense that Roqya is set to deliver. With its unique blend of thriller and action, enriched by a deep exploration of social and personal themes, Roqya promises to be a must-see film of this year, asking tough questions while providing top-notch entertainment.

Distributed by The Jokers / Les Bookmakers in France, Hood Witch is a promise of renewal in French genre cinema, a must-see for fans of thrills and powerful storytelling. Our review will be online shortly, and we hope to be able to cover a beautiful avant-première in Paris in the presence of the cast.

Synopsis: 
Nour makes her living smuggling exotic animals for healers. When a consultation goes wrong, she is accused of witchcraft. Hunted by the locals and separated from her son, she embarks on a frantic race to save him. The hunt begins...

Hood Witch
Directed by Saïd Belktibia
Produced by Ladj Ly        
Written by Saïd Belktibia, Louis Penicaut               
Starring Golshifteh Farahani, Denis Lavant, Jérémy Ferrari, Teddy Ponceau, Mathieu Espagnet, Ange Roth
Music by Flemming Nordkrog     
Cinematography : Benoit Soler
Edited by Benjamin Weill
Production companies : Iconoclast, Lyly Films
Distributed by The Jokers / Les Bookmakers (France)
Release date : May 15 2024 (France)
Running time : 97 minutes

Photos : Copyright ICONO CLAST - LYLY FILMS - FRANCE 2 CINEMA - 2024

News update April 3 2024