Faiza Guène obtained a degree in Social and Sociocultural Studies from L’Université de Paris XIII- Bobigny, and was also a student at l'Université Paris VIII- St-Denis before leaving to pursue writing and filmmaking full-time.
Literary Career
Faiza Guène wrote Kiffe Kiffe Demain (Kiffe Kiffe Tomorrow) in 2004 when she was nineteen years old. In 2006, she published her second book, Du rêve pour les oufs. She has also had much success in the film industry. Her short films include “La Zonzonnière” (1999), about a girl who was imprisoned by her father; "RTT" (2002), about the shortened work week in France; and "Memories of 17th October, 1961," (2002), a documentary on the Algerian political party and the French police. In 2006, she began working as a journaliste for Respect Magazine in France.
Kiffe Kiffe Demain/Kiffe Kiffe Tomorrow
Even though her first book, Kiffe Kiffe Tomorrow, was successful among the French people, it did not receive the same type of recognition from the French literary establishment. According to Guène, a certain literary elitism exists in France. This literary elite did not appreciate the style and message of her book. The title comes from an Arabic phrase "kif kif" (meaning “the same thing everyday”) and the French verb "kiffer" (meaning to really like something or someone). In the book, Guène presents the reader with a gritty, honest perspective on life in a low-income Parisian suburb.
The book is formatted as the diary of the protagonist, Doria. Therefore, the plot is a bit vague and it is written in a casual style. The themes of the book vary from the banal (cosmetic and wardrobe woes) to the profound (racism and life goals). Throughout the book, Guène includes many references to the Parisian suburbs and the life of a “beurette” young Arab girl. Like many second or third generation immigrants living in France, Doria occupies a specific position in French culture. She is not completely French, nor is she completely Moroccan. She associates Morocco with her father (who left when she was young) and her traditional relatives who just want to find her a husband. Doria has bigger dreams for her life, and she's still trying to figure out what those might be.
Books by Faiza Guène
Kiffe kiffe demain. Paris: Hachette Littératures, 2004.
Du rêve pour les oufs. Paris: Hachette Littératures, 2006.
Les gens du Balto. Paris: Hachette Littératures, 2008.
Other writings by Faiza Guène
“Qu'est-ce que je serais sans la télé ? La jeune fille et les séries televises,” Informations socials, No 11, 2003, p. 151.
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