Introduction
“Burqa City” is a captivating short film that has sparked conversations worldwide since its release in 2019. Directed by Fabrice Bracq, this 20-minute comedy-drama takes viewers into a fictional Middle Eastern city where strict rules shape daily life. With its clever storytelling and surprising twists, it’s no wonder this film has earned praise and stirred debate. This article dives deep into everything you need to know about “Burqa City”—its plot, cast, themes, awards, and more—all written in simple language and optimized for Google with terms like “Burqa City short film,” “Fabrice Bracq movie,” and “Arabic comedy review.”
What Is “Burqa City” All About?
“Burqa City” is a short film that hit screens on November 16, 2019, in France. It’s set in a made-up Middle Eastern town where women must wear full burqas in public, covering them head to toe. The story follows Souleymane and Leila, a newly married couple who love each other dearly but live in a place with strict rules. One day, they head out shopping and get into a little spat. After making up, Souleymane realizes he’s brought home the wrong woman—someone else in a burqa! This mix-up kicks off a funny yet thought-provoking adventure.
The film, shot in Arabic with English subtitles, runs for just 20 minutes but leaves a big impression. It combines comedy and drama, using humour to highlight profound ideas. People searching “Burqa City plot,” “short film synopsis,” or “Arabic movie 2019” often land on this quirky tale of mistaken identity.
Who Made “Burqa City”?
Fabrice Bracq, a French filmmaker, wrote and directed “Burqa City.” He’s known for short films that blend humour with big questions, and this one’s no different. Offshore, a French company, produced the movie, with Fabrice Préel-Cléach as the executive producer. The music comes from Yves de Bujadoux, and Philippe Brelot handled the cinematography, giving the film its sharp, colourful look.
Bracq started making behind-the-scenes videos for big movies before switching to his projects. By 2019, he’d already won over 250 awards for earlier works like “Dad in Mum” and “Time 2 Split.” Search terms like “Fabrice Bracq director,” “Burqa City production,” and “French short films” often point to his creative touch.
The Cast of “Burqa City”
The actors in “Burqa City” bring the story to life with charm and energy. Omar Mebrouk plays Souleymane, the confused husband who drives the plot. Chadia Amajod is Leila, his loving wife, caught up in the chaos. Other key players include Jalal Altawil, Noman Hosni, and Malika Alaoui, who add depth to the small but lively cast.
These performers nail the mix of comedy and heart, making the film’s wild premise feel real. Fans googling “Burqa City cast,” “Omar Mebrouk roles,” or “Arabic short film actors” will find this group’s work stands out in the 20-minute runtime.
The Big Themes in “Burqa City”
At its core, “Burqa City” is more than just a funny mix-up. It digs into ideas about identity, freedom, and how rules can shape—or mess up—our lives. The burqa, which hides who’s who isn’t just a plot trick; it’s a way to ask: How do we know someone when we can’t see them? It’s a light jab at strict traditions wrapped in a laugh-out-loud story.
The film also touches on women’s rights, showing how Leila and others navigate a world with many limits. It’s not preachy, though—Bracq keeps it fun while sneaking in these big thoughts. Keywords like “Burqa City themes,” “short film messages,” and “feminism in movies” often tie back to these layers.
Where Was “Burqa City” Filmed?
Though it’s set in a fictional Middle Eastern city, “Burqa City” was likely shot in France or a nearby spot dressed up to look the part. The tight streets, dusty vibe, and simple buildings give it an authentic feel, even if it’s not a real place. Bracq’s team kept the budget small, focusing on bright sets and costumes—like those burqas—to sell the story.
The exact filming locations aren’t public, but the look fits the tale perfectly. Search “Burqa City filming spots,” “Arabic movie settings,” or “short film locations” to explore how they pulled it off.
Awards and Recognition
“Burqa City” didn’t just win hearts—it won prizes, too. It snagged First Prize at the 2020 Cabbagetown Short Film Festival in Canada, beating out other entries with its clever twist. The film also appeared at festivals worldwide, from Winter Film Awards to smaller local events, praising its humour and punchy runtime.
With an 8.6/10 rating on IMDb from over 200 votes, viewers love it. Look up “Burqa City awards,” “Cabbagetown 2020 winner,” or “short film festival hits” to see its trophy haul.
The Controversy: “Burqa City” vs. “Laapataa Ladies”
In 2025, “Burqa City” got tangled in a considerable debate. Kiran Rao’s Indian film “Laapataa Ladies,” released in 2024 and picked for the 2025 Oscars, has a similar setup: a groom loses his bride due to veils (ghunghats, not burqas), and chaos follows. Social media lit up, with some calling it a rip-off. Fabrice Bracq said he was “shocked” by the overlap, pointing to shared plot points and twists.
The “Laapataa Ladies” team fought back, saying their story—registered in 2014—came first and stands on its own with Indian flair. Both films tackle women’s freedom, but one is a short satire, and the other is a full feature. Search “Burqa City controversy,” “Laapataa Ladies plagiarism,” or “short film vs Bollywood” to dive into this hot topic.
How to Watch “Burqa City”
Want to see it for yourself? “Burqa City” isn’t on big platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime. It used to be rentable on Vimeo On Demand, but that link has expired for some regions. You can find clips on YouTube, and the full film sometimes pops up there for free—check channels posting short films. Festival sites like Arab Film Network might have leads, too.
It’s tricky to track down, but it’s worth it. Keywords like “watch Burqa City online,” “short film streaming,” and “Arabic comedy free” can guide your hunt.
Why “Burqa City” Stands Out
This short film packs a lot into 20 minutes. It’s funny—think Souleymane’s panic when he realizes his mistake—but it’s bright, too, poking at big ideas without being heavy-handed. The burqa twist isn’t just a gag; it flips the story into something unexpected, keeping you hooked. Plus, it’s short enough to watch over lunch, but it sticks with you after.
Compared to other shorts, it’s got a rare mix of laughs and depth. Search “Burqa City review,” “unique short films,” or “comedy-drama 2019” to see why it’s unique.
The Plot Twist That Gets Everyone Talking
Spoiler alert: the ending is a doozy. After Souleymane figures out he’s got the wrong woman, he scrambles to find Leila. The other woman, stuck with him, starts chatting—and it turns out she’s got her own story. The mix-up unravels into a sweet, funny mess that ties up with a nod to love and freedom. It’s a twist that flips the whole tale on its head.
Fans love it, and it’s a big reason the film’s rated so high. Look up “Burqa City ending,” “short film twists,” or “Arabic movie surprises” to join the buzz.
How “Burqa City” Was Made
Bracq wrote the script in 2017, shot it in February 2018, and polished it for 2019 festivals. The budget was tight—typical for shorts—but the team nailed it with sharp writing, solid acting, and a few key sets. The burqas, a simple costume choice, became the story’s backbone, proving you don’t need big cash for a significant impact.
The process shows Bracq’s knack for turning small ideas into gold. Keywords like “Burqa City behind the scenes,” “short film production,” and “Fabrice Bracq process” shed light on the craft.
What Critics and Fans Say
Critics call “Burqa City” a “charming surprise” and a “smart satire.” On IMDb, fans rave about its humour—one user said, “Unexpected, clear, and enjoyable.” Letterboxd reviews echo that, praising its quick wit. The 8.6 rating backs up the love, though some note it’s hard to find.
The buzz keeps it alive years later. Search “Burqa City reviews,” “short film ratings,” or “Arabic comedy feedback” to see the hype.
Cultural Impact of “Burqa City”
This film’s reach goes beyond its runtime. It sparked discussions about women’s roles, cultural rules, and even filmmaking—especially with the “Laapataa Ladies” flap. Its Middle Eastern setting, filtered through a French lens, adds a unique angle, blending perspectives in a way that clicks globally.
It’s not just a movie; it’s a conversation starter. Look up “Burqa City impact,” “short film influence,” or “Arabic satire reach” to see how it resonates.
Similar Films to Check Out
Loved “Burqa City”? Try these:
- “Laapataa Ladies” (2024): The Indian take on mistaken brides—judge the overlap yourself.
- “Wadjda” (2012): A Saudi girl’s quest for a bike, mixing humour and heart.
- “Dad in Mum” (2015): Another Bracq short with a wild family twist.
These share their vibe or themes. Search “movies like Burqa City,” “short film recs,” or “Arabic comedy alternatives” for more.
Why It’s Worth Your 20 Minutes
“Burqa City” is quick, fun, and innovative—a rare combo. It’s got laughs, a killer twist, and just enough depth to make you think, all without dragging on. Whether you’re into short films, comedies, or stories with a message, it delivers. Plus, the hunt to watch it adds to the thrill.
It’s a gem that proves short can be mighty.
Final Thoughts on “Burqa City”
This is a little film with a big heart. Fabrice Bracq’s tale of love, mix-ups, and quiet rebellion sticks with you, blending comedy and meaning in a way that’s hard to forget. From its festival wins to its 2025 controversy, it’s a short that keeps making waves. If you can track it down, give it a watch—you won’t regret it.
This guide covers everything—plot, people, prizes, and everything else. Whether you’re searching for this movie full details,” “short film guide,” or “Arabic comedy 2019,” you’ve found the spot.
References
IMDb: “Burqa City (2019)” www.imdb.com/title/tt11379566/
Arab Film Network: “Burqa City Synopsis” www.arabfilmnetwork.com
Economic Times: “Burqa City vs. Laapataa Ladies Controversy,” April 6, 2025.
Cabbagetown Short Film Festival: “2020 Winners” watch.eventive.org