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Q&A with Saudi Director, Haifaa Al-Mansour Post Screening

Doha, March 16, 2013: Doha Film Institute’s (DFI) year round series, Hekayat Khaleejiya, returns for the second time with the screening of the Sauidi Award Winning film, ‘Wadjda’ (dir. Haifaa Al-Mansour, 2012). The three time Venice Film Festival awarded winner will be screened on April 4th and 5th at the Museum of Islamic Art Auditorium. The two screenings will be followed by an extended Q&A session with the director Haifaa Al-Mansour.

‘Wadjda’, the first film ever shot entirely in Saudi Arabia, and the first Saudi feature directed by a woman, is the story of a fun-loving, entrepreneurial 10-year-old girl living in a suburb of Riyadh. When Wadjda sees a beautiful green bicycle for sale, she wants it desperately, but her mother won’t allow her to have it, fearing repercussions from a conservative society, so Wadjda decides to raise the money herself. Just as she is losing hope,Wadjda hears of a cash prize for a Koran recitation competition at her school.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see the film which won five international awards, including the Muhr award for Best Film at the Dubai International Film Festival plus the chance to meet one of the most talented Khaleeji newcomers, Haifaa Al-Mansour. Tickets are now on sale at www.dohafilminstitute.com or in person at the DFI Ticket Outlet at the Museum of Islamic Art.

‘Hekayat Khaleejiya’ is a DFI screening series dedicated to showcasing cinematic voices from the Gulf region. Taking place at the Museum of Islamic Art every three months, ‘Hekayat Khaleejiya’ will present films accompanied by a Q&A session with the filmmakers for a chance to gain insight in to their work and process.