‘Norah’ has made a stunning debut at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, winning particular praise from the jury for this historic moment in Saudi Arabian cinema.
‘Norah’, directed by Tawfiq Al Zaidi and presented in the “Un Certain Regard” section highlighting new trends and innovative cinematographic works, was Saudi Arabia’s first film to be shown at this prestigious festival.
Shot entirely in the picturesque city of Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia, ‘Norah’ transports viewers to the Saudi Arabia of the 1990s, a time when the arts were largely frowned upon.
It tells the compelling story of Norah, a young girl living in a remote village, and it stars Maria Bharawi, Yaqoob Al Farhan, and Abdullah Al Satyan.
When a new teacher arrives in the village, Norah’s life is transformed. This teacher opens Noora’s eyes to a world of possibilities that transcends the constraints of her own existence, and inspires an imagination and ambition. The theme of self discovery and the power of education in a conservative society is beautifully explored in the narrative.
‘Noora’, competing against 19 films from all over the world, was officially screened at the Cannes Film Festival for the first time on Thursday. The participation of the film in the Un Certain Regard section underlines its role as a promotional tool for emerging movie talents and novel stories.
The Red Sea Fund, a programme of the Red Sea Film Foundation dedicated to promoting and nurturing Saudi film production, has been instrumental in making this movie possible. The film, which highlights Saudi Arabia’s booming movie industry, features an all Saudi cast and a 40% Saudi crew.
A significant milestone in the Kingdom’s film industry has been the positive response to ‘Norah’ at Cannes. It is not only a tribute to the country’s culture and talent, but also an indication that Saudi narratives are being widely accepted and appreciated around the globe.
A film like “Noora” is leading to a new era of artistic expression and global recognition as Saudi Arabia opens up for the world.
