Fatiya (2019)
A taut 19-minute French short drama about prejudice, identity, and one afternoon that changes everything.
Fatiya - Movie Information
- Release Year: 2019
- Directed by: Marion Desseigne-Ravel
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 19m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Production Companies: Tripode Productions, 31 Juin Films
- Production Countries: France
Fatiya - Plot
Fatiya agrees to replace her cousin at a babysitting gig. When she meets the mother of the young boy she is supposed to look after, prejudice and racism cause the afternoon to take a turn.
Fatiya - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Marion Desseigne-Ravel
Main Cast
- Lyna Khoudri
- Mahia Zrouki
- Florence Janas
- Tasnim Jamlaoui
- Sami Trabelsi
- Sasha Coudurier
- Seth Young-Ruiz
- Éric Boufanais
Writers
- Virginie Cheval
- Marion Desseigne-Ravel
Producers
- Delphine Schmit
Fatiya - FAQs
What is Fatiya about?
Fatiya follows a young woman who steps in for her cousin at a last-minute babysitting job. When she arrives to meet the mother of the child she is meant to care for, the encounter quickly turns uncomfortable as prejudice and racism reshape the afternoon in unexpected ways.
Does Fatiya address racism and discrimination directly?
Absolutely. The film's entire dramatic tension hinges on the moment Fatiya meets the mother who hired her cousin. The woman's reaction — shaped by bias and assumptions — drives the short's emotional core, making discrimination not just a backdrop but the central conflict of the story.
Who plays the lead role in Fatiya?
Lyna Khoudri takes on the title role of Fatiya. Khoudri is a French-Algerian actress who has since gained international recognition, including a César Award win and appearances in major productions like The French Dispatch. Her performance here is an early showcase of her considerable talent.
How long is the short film Fatiya?
Fatiya runs just 19 minutes — a tight, focused runtime that suits the film's single-afternoon premise perfectly. Director Marion Desseigne-Ravel uses every minute to build tension and character, delivering a complete and emotionally resonant story in a compact format.
Who directed Fatiya and what is her background?
Marion Desseigne-Ravel directed Fatiya, co-writing the script alongside Virginie Cheval. The film reflects her interest in intimate social dramas that center female experiences and explore systemic prejudice. Fatiya stands as a confident, purposeful debut short with a clear directorial voice.
Is Fatiya based on a true story?
Fatiya is an original fictional story, not based on a specific real-life event. However, the scenario it depicts — a young Muslim woman facing casual racism in an everyday setting — draws from experiences that are widely documented and deeply familiar to many people in contemporary France.
What themes does Fatiya explore beyond racism?
Beyond racism, Fatiya weaves in themes of female solidarity, identity, and the quiet weight of religious and cultural visibility. The cousin relationship, the dynamics of trust, and the way women navigate hostile spaces all add texture to what might otherwise be a straightforward confrontation story.
What films are similar to Fatiya?
If Fatiya resonated with you, films like Hala (2019), Passing (2021), and Skin (2019) explore similar territory around identity, prejudice, and belonging. Hadewijch (2009) and Suzanne (2013) also share Fatiya's intimate French dramatic sensibility and focus on young women navigating complex social landscapes.
More About Fatiya
Explore further details about Fatiya on these trusted resources.