Set in current times in a Muslim “North African or Arabian village”, this comedy-drama film tells the story of the local women who dare to defy tradition. Following a series of accidents along the treacherous trek they must tread to fetch water for their community from a distant spring, the women go on ‘love strike’ in a bid to make their idle men help with this daily mountainous task.

Against the backdrop of the Arab Spring, this story raises the possibility for greater social change, addresses misconceptions about the message of the Koran and ultimately deals with the universal themes of love, altruism and social conscience. All is not doom and gloom in this film, though, as strong performances from protagonist Leïla Bekhti, who shares her name with her character as an outsider revolt-instigator young bride, and Biyouna, as Mother Rifle, the elder who takes her side in the revolt, bring both poignant and comedic episodes that are nothing but unforgettable.

Mihaileanu blends tragedy and comedy to great entertaining effect and oftentimes uses story-telling singing as a means to forwarding the story. Inspired in a true incident that took place in Turkey a few years ago, this film promises to be an entertaining, yet thought provoking gem.

“It used the aural music story-telling tradition and used it in a way which for me worked very, very well.” (transcription) Mark Kermode, RADIO 5 live

“The mix of female empowerment and Middle eastern colour is kept just on the right side of schmaltzy by firecracker turns from Leïla Bekhti as the headstrong strike-leader and Biyouna as a formidable widower.” Carmen Gray, Total Film

“A gritty rom-com with a message that sometimes plays like a North African Made In Dagenham, but occasionally dips into much tougher terrain. Topical and worthwhile. Anna Smith , www.empireonline.com