Wadjda

[Beate]

An enterprising Saudi girl signs off for her school's Koran recitation competition as a way to raise the remaining funds she needs in order to b*y the green bicycle that has captured her interest.

We saw this this morning at the Greenwich Picturehouse in a free members' preview.

This is a very interesting film showing the depressing reality for women in Saudi Arabia whose whole life is dictated by men and religion, they have hundreds of rules they have to follow about what they are allowed to say, do or wear and who they are allowed to speak with or marry. Religion is everywhere and it's a really stifling atmosphere, where women are not allowed to drive so if they want to work (surprisingly allowed but I guess the husband has to agree) they need to employ a driver to drive them places. They are not even allowed to talk too loudly in the presence of men ("The voice is a woman's nakedness" apparently).

Against this backdrop lives Wadjda, a fun-loving schoolgirl who wears jeans under her black clothes, listens to Western music, doesn't always cover her hair and runs various forbidden enterprises. On top of that, she wants a bike to be able to race her male friend Abdullah. This is of course totally frowned upon but she has set her sights on this and tells the shop owner not to sell "her bike" to anyone else. When a Koran competition comes up at school for more than the bike sells for, in a fit or irony, she enters in the hope of winning the prize money for her bike.

This story is told very matter-of-fact and while you are rooting for the girl, you never feel manipulated into drama. You can even see how men are the victim of this society like Wadjda's father who loves his wife but is urged by his mother to take a second wife to enable him to get a son, as his wife can't have any more children, and daughters just aren't worth anything, they have to cover themselves up in public constantly, even little girls, and are not allowed to do anything on their own. The sad thing is that a lot of women (for example the head mistress) seem to like to enforce these double standards as well, or maybe they are just too scared to openly rebel.

So I guess even a small victory like owning a bike would mean a lot in this society and give you untold freedom.

This is a quietly impressive film that ought to get a wider release for its sheer pluckiness, filmed on location by a female Saudi Arabian director, in a country that thinks cinemas are the devil too.

8/10

[prettyxcool]

Went to Clapham Picturehouse free member's screening this morning.

I am really sorry I did not give the film the attention it deserves, but unfortunately, the simple and slow pace of film, meant I kept nodding off, not because the film was not good, but because the Picturehouse Clapham's seats are so comfy and the gentle lull of the foreign language, makes a very tired person who have had too many late nights drop off a few times! On hindsight, I should have had a coffee beforehand.

It is a simple story, subtlely and really well told, in a warm, fresh and charming way. Lovely characters, and very well portrayed by the young girl, of a rebellious little girl (love she wears trainers and listens to rock music), who has wit and humour, and who wants to own a bike, which is frowned upon in her country, Saudi Arabia, as she is a girl. You see what life is like for girls and women in her society, and the lack of freedom they have. Will she get her bike and be able to race the boys, and experience the freedom enjoyed by boys in her culture. Go watch it to find out, and support the emerging film industry there. Would love to watch again when I am fully awake! 9/10

Thanks for the company funthing, shame the cinema was only a third full, and surprised Soda Pictures did not approach SFF, if they wanted more people to see it!

[funthing29]

A sweet story with an intelligent look at the lives of women and girls in Saudia Arabia. Definitely worth a watch. 8/10.

[rawsalsa]

I saw this this morning in a so called "sold out" 40% full Brixton Ritzy. It does annoy me when member screenings are said to be full and then members don't turn up without cancelling. It was such a beautiful day I can guess that many people were out enjoying the sun.

This was apparently the first female-directed Saudi Arabian film. It's rather interesting since most people living there will not get a chance to see this film. A lovely delicately-paced film with believable characters giving us a glimpse into the Saudi life from a female perspective. 8/10

[biggins]

Saw this tonight at a busy screening at the Omni Centre which had the air con on tonight - thank goodness!

An excellent film which shows how lucky young girls in our country are compared to those in Saudi. 8/10

[alythonian]

Really interesting insight into the life of a young Saudi girl who wants to live her life and not be bound by the Saudi traditions and laws restricting the lives of women. It's amazing to think in 2013 the women there are not allowed to drive and riding a bike seems to be classed the same way. Really inspiring story about Wajada and the young actress playing her was superb as the stroppy tomboy teen!

8/10

[LondonCityNights]

http://www.londoncitynights.com/2013/03 ... aa-al.html

I saw this back in March and absolutely loved it. I got a chance to have a chat to the director afterwards too, and the making of the film was an interesting story in its own right. It's taboo to have a woman ordering men about - even if it's on a film set - so she had to direct portions of the film from within a van by radio link. She'd have apparently run the risk of being attacked by groups of men on the street if they'd known she was doing it.

It's a hell of an achievement getting a film made at all, let alone one as good this.

[stuartboy]

[The Sparrow]

http://www.londoncitynights.com/2013/03 ... aa-al.html

I saw this back in March and absolutely loved it. I got a chance to have a chat to the director afterwards too, and the making of the film was an interesting story in its own right. It's taboo to have a woman ordering men about - even if it's on a film set - so she had to direct portions of the film from within a van by radio link. She'd have apparently run the risk of being attacked by groups of men on the street if they'd known she was doing it.

It's a hell of an achievement getting a film made at all, let alone one as good this.

I got so angry when I watched the film, I'm even angrier now!!

[walkingaline]

I really enjoyed this the other night. It was a very well-made film with some nice understated performances. The realities of life for Saudi Arabian women were presented in such a matter of fact way. Very shocking at times but ultimately uplifting. 7/10