A Tale of Courage Born from the Director's Own Experience

A miraculous masterpiece has emerged from Saudi Arabia, a country where cinemas are legally prohibited. Saudi Arabia is known as a nation that restricts women's solo walks and driving. "Wadjda" confronts the harsh realities of being a woman in this society, yet it straightforwardly portrays the daily life of Wadjda, a girl who lives with a positive outlook.



The director is Haifaa Al-Mansour, Saudi Arabia's first female filmmaker. Notably, this is also the first feature film to be shot entirely within Saudi Arabia, featuring an entirely local cast.

Capturing a Girl's Daily Life with Freshness

Ten-year-old Wadjda wants to race bicycles with her male friend, Abdullah, but her mother disapproves of buying a bike. Determined, Wadjda vows to save money and get a bicycle someday. One day, a Quran recitation contest is announced at school. Though she struggles with the Quran, Wadjda unhesitatingly volunteers, aiming to win the prize money for her bike. She diligently memorizes and practices the Quran...



Her mother, who adheres to tradition yet entrusts Wadjda with hope for the future, and Wadjda's courage as she seeks her own path. The bond between this mother and daughter is sure to resonate with and move everyone.



Wadjda

Opens nationwide on Saturday, December 14th, at Iwanami Hall and other cinemas

Director & Screenplay | Haifaa Al-Mansour

Starring | Waad Mohammed, Abdulrahman Al-Gohani, Reem Abdullah

Presented by | New Select

Distributed by | ALBATROS FILM

2012 / Saudi Arabia-Germany Co-production / 97 min / Original Title "Wadjda"
http://www.shoujo-jitensha.com/



© 2012, Razor Film Produktion GmbH, High Look Group, Rotana Studios All Rights Reserved.