EIFF 2022: Kung Fu Zohra
Kung Fu Zohra sheds some much-needed light on womxn’s self-defence but too often the film uses comedy to diverge from the actualities of abusive relationships
Coming to grips with the fact that we aren’t fortunate enough to walk down the street without fear or paranoia is part of every girl’s transition to womxnhood, and for some they’re prepared by the sisterhood that surrounds them: a portable activated alarm from mum; a makeshift door lock from an aunt; a neon-pink, transportable tube of pepper spray from your next door neighbour. We’re expected to carry these tools with the power to protect in our pockets, ‘know the signs’, and defend ourselves at all costs. Perhaps we could all benefit from a lesson with Zohra (Sabrina Ouazani) and her kung fu master, Chang (Tien Shue).
It may not be the most down-to-earth depiction of domestic violence but French director Mabrouk El Mechri’s Kung Fu Zohra sheds some much-needed light on womxn’s self-defence. From the quick fall from grace in her marriage to the first hit, abusive patterns repeat themselves as Zohra works as a janitor at a gym to get access to punching bags after hours, and gets her ticket out with the help of her co-worker and martial arts teacher, Chang.
At times, El Mechri's film uses comedy to diverge from the actualities of abusive relationships, making it difficult to appreciate its good intentions. But one thing remains true: Zohra is not your typical bullied, pubescent boy on the cusp of a kung fu glow-up. She’s a woman who's been intimidated, disrespected and abused; she uses self-defence for a chance at self-reclamation.
Wessley Edmonds is a student at University of Edinburgh actively decolonising spaces within film and anthropology. They are part of Edinburgh’s International Film Festival’s Young Critics Programme 2022 – scroll on to read more from this year's Young Critics...