wadjda

Moira+I went along to the Watershed this afternoon to see this rather lovely film, directed by Haifaa Al-Mansour. It’s a remarkable film in many ways: it’s the first film ever to have been made entirely in Saudi Arabia (the country doesn’t have a single cinema!) and it’s been created by the country’s first female director. It also pushes boundaries as far as its subject matter is concerned too – focusing on the realities of life in Saudi Arabia for women (and girls). Wadjda is the name of the sparky, strong-willed, 11-year-old girl who has her heart set on a beautiful green bike… BUT “bikes aren’t for girls”!

It’s a beautiful, charming and funny film – but also one that left me saddened by the male-dominated society within the country.
PS: There’s a section towards the end of the film, where Wadjda recites/sings part of the Koran, which is absolutely lovely.