By: debbie lynn elias
I can’t remember a year of Los Angeles Film Festival with such a spectacular line-up of international films as this year and one that really makes the grade as a “Must See” festival film is WADJDA. Talk about breaking the glass ceiling! And I’m not just talking about director Haifaa Al Mansour, the first female director in Saudi Arabia. Or the fact that this is the first Saudi Arabian feature film to be shot within the Kingdom. I’m talking the story itself and the incredible Waad Mohammed who stars as WADJDA! Talk about spunk, sass, charisma, charm, impish likeability. And boy can she work you over with just the tilt of her chin. At such a young age, she turns on a dime with emotion and gleefully manipulates both the characters in the film and the audience.
10-year old WADJDA is anything but subservient and doesn’t aim to be. Her best friend is a boy named Abdullah and together they are like two peas in a pod. Doing everything that girls aren’t supposed to do, WADJDA’s big dream is get a bicycle and beat Abdullah in a race. The fact that girls aren’t allowed to ride bicycles is beside the point for WADJDA, especially when she sees a shiny green one at the local store. Refused the bike by her mother, or the money to buy it, WADJDA schemes to make the money herself, bringing the wrath of the school principal down on her and her “unholy” ways, but then ultimately joining the religious club at school with the singular goal to win an annual competition and the cash.
The story of WADJDA is enchanting and to a large degree, universal. Told from the female perspective, women and girls the world over will relate in some fashion to the cultural and political discrimination women in the Arab world face. Through WADJDA we see not only the world “as it is now” with her mother’s generation and the oppressions she has faced, but how it can be for girls like WADJDA. There is more commonality in our perceived differences than many realize. And here we see it all. There is something in each of these women that each of us watching can identify with. Interesting is the character construct of the film which, but for the usual boys taunting girls stuff, Abdullah sees WADJDA as an equal. There is no “run and hide”, “don’t speak your mind”. He hasn’t become jaded by the adult culture yet and neither has she. The purity and naivete of these two together is enchanting. Your heart roots for them both.
Casting is perfection starting with WADJDA herself – Waad Mohammed. Equaling her charm is Abdullrahman Al Gohani who, as Abdullah, is just as charismatic and likeable as Waad! These two just exude impish fun. Easy to see why Reem Abdullah is such a tv star in Saudi Arabia. As WADJDA’s mother, she is not only flawlessly beautiful, but engaging. Despicable with a Dick Dasterdly look and aura to her is the school principal Hussa played by the single-monikered, Ahd. Perfectly cast as the kind of principal you love to hate…and do.
A production partnership with a Saudi-German crew, we are treated to the clean, unfettered look of Lutz Reitemeier’s lensing. There’s a clarity to the visuals that is not only appealing but in keeping with the clarity of Al Mansour’s story and direction.
Haifaa Al Mansour is clearly one those people who will change the world, both within the Arab world and outside. This is WADJDA, hear her roar!!!
Written and Directed by Haifaa Al Mansour
Cast: Waad Mohammed, Abdullrahman Al Gohani, Reem Abdullah, Ahd
