This is the first feature film to be shot entirely in Saudi Arabia, and by a woman no less ! Ten-year-old Wadjda (Waad Mohammed) enters a Koran-recitation contest to win a cash prize that will enable her to buy a bicycle. The audience is exposed to Saudi life in a way rarely seen. The film was partially funded by German producers. Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, who owns a majority share in Rotana (the Arab world's largest entertainment conglomerate) was also instrumental in funding the film.
There is no movie production infrastructure in Saudi. There is television production, but their methodology is very different. Segregation forced Mansour to direct outdoor scenes with a walkie-talkie from inside a van !
The film exudes great sensitivity between Wadjda and the mother (the beautiful Reem Abdullah) as well as Wadjda and her male playmate (Abdullrahman al-Gohani). In fact, the tender love and respect between Wadjda and the boy is so refreshing yet counter intuitive in a segregated misogynist society.
In an example of life imitating art, Waad Mohammed’s family has said they will only allow her to act until she’s 16, and then marry her off—female actors are generally shunned in Saudi.
