Wadjda (2012)
★★★½ — Wadjda (2012)
Haifaa al-Mansour's debut feature holds a remarkable place in cinema history as the first film shot entirely within Saudi Arabia, a country that had no public cinemas at the time of production. A German-Saudi co-production backed in part by Rotana (the Saudi media giant owned by Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal), the film navigated genuinely unusual practical constraints, with al-Mansour at times directing her male crew remotely via walkie-talkie from a van, to avoid the prohibition on mixed-gender gatherings in public spaces. Young Waad Mohammed, a non-professional, takes the lead role, and the film premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2012 to considerable international attention, going on to earn Saudi Arabia's first-ever submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
A-Z World Movie Tour Saudi Arabia Wadjda is a quietly groundbreaking film. Not just because it’s the first ever made entirely in Saudi Arabia, but because it was made at all. At the time, cinemas were banned, so director Haifaa al-Mansour had to shoot guerrilla-style, often from a van, just to get the footage (because women aren't able to mix with men in public). That context makes the whole thing feel even more powerful. The story of a ten-year-old girl who dreams of buying a green bicycle and riding it, despite social taboos around girls cycling, is simple but deeply moving. It’s a small rebellion told with warmth, dignity, and subtle defiance. The film is beautifully put together. It's well shot, gently paced, and anchored by a brilliant performance from young Waad Mohammed. She’s spirited, clever, and never feels like a character designed to make a point; she just feels real. The cinematography captures everyday life in Riyadh with a quiet honesty, finding beauty in schoolyards, rooftops, and family homes. And the "firework scene" is pure cinematic joy. It’s subtle, but it's such a powerful Mother-Daughter moment. It does move slowly, and I’ll admit, some of the pacing threw me at first. That slowness also gives it space to breathe, to let small moments speak. Understated, culturally significant, and ultimately uplifting. A small film that carries a big heart.
Rating: ★★★½ | Year: 2012 | Watched: 2025-09-01
Where to watch (UK)
Stream: MUBI · MUBI Amazon Channel
Rent: Amazon Video · Sky Store
Buy: Apple TV Store · Amazon Video · Sky Store
Physical: Amazon UK
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