Maghrebi-French Women in French Téléfilms: Sexuality, Gender, and Tradition from Leïla née en France (1993) to Aïcha: vacances infernales (2012)

Abstract

A comparison of feature-length French téléfilms (made-for-television films) whose narratives are constructed from the point of view of Maghrebi-French women reveals a striking similarity: the significance of the interconnected themes of sexuality, gender, and traditions associated with Maghrebi Muslim cultures. Through an analysis of the treatment of virginity, marriage, and exogamous relationships – relationships between Maghrebi-French women and men who are not Muslim – in téléfilms by directors such as Miguel Courtois, Rachid Bouchareb, Rachida Krim, and Yamina Benguigui, this article examines the extent to which French téléfilms can be seen to challenge dominant paradigms about Maghrebi-French women in France, and in particular the notion that they are victims of a patriarchal Arab Muslim culture due to their gender and/or agents of revolt against oppression. It will also consider the influence of the articulation of these themes on the representations of Maghrebi families in France. This study will argue that while the main source of conflict between Maghrebi-French women and their parents lies in questions relating to sexuality, gender, and tradition, these themes are in fact reconfigured in key ways in téléfilms broadcast since 2005. This shift results in a more nuanced and less critical portrayal of the Maghrebi family and opens new space in the narratives, which is devoted to other matters of importance to people of Maghrebi descent in France, such as (un)employment, socio-economic disparity, and discrimination.