About

'I come from a small town in Saudi Arabia where there are many girls like Wadjda who have big dreams, strong characters and so much potential. These girls can, and will, reshape and redefine our nation. It was important for me to work with an all-Saudi cast, to tell this story with authentic, local voices. I hope the film offers a unique insight into my own country and speaks of universal themes of hope and perseverance that people of all cultures can relate to.' Haifaa Al-Mansour

'Centred on the simple premise of a young girl who desperately wants a bike so she can race against her best friend, this charming coming-of-age story with a winning central character – the spunky, smart and resourceful Wadjda – offers a fascinating and rare insight into daily life in the Saudi capital Riyadh, a city never before seen on film, in a country with no cinemas. Light-hearted in tone, it looks at life as a young female in this ultra-conservative Islamic kingdom through a series of beautifully judged vignettes. Newcomer Waad Mohammed as the title character is a natural, while director Haifaa Al-Mansour crafts a vital, feminist film full of hope.' Melbourne International Film Festival