Zola

Zola most commonly refers to Émile Zola, a French novelist and critic who lived from 1840 to 1902. A leading figure in the naturalist movement, he authored the Rougon-Macquart cycle, a set of twenty novels examining a French family across several generations. Zola’s work is known for its detailed social realism, attention to heredity and environment, and willingness to tackle controversial subjects such as poverty, industry, and class. He was also a prominent public intellectual and a vocal defender of secularism and justice, notably during the Dreyfus affair, where he published open letters and essays that helped frame the debate in France.

Zola (film) is a 2020 American comedy-drama directed by Janicza Bravo. It is adapted from a viral 2015 Twitter thread by Aziah “Zola” Wells and recounts a chaotic road trip that unfolds into danger and deception. The film is noted for its fast pace, stylized visuals, and bold tonal shifts, with performances centered on the dynamics between the principal characters.

Zola is also the name of an online wedding registry and planning company based in the United States. Founded to unify registry services, invitations, and planning tools, Zola offers a wide range of registry options, home goods, and wedding planning resources, operating as a platform for couples to manage and share their wedding plans with guests. The term Zola thus encompasses a notable literary figure, a contemporary film, and a modern consumer brand, among potential other uses as a given name or surname.