Herbststaffel der FilmGalerie: Das Mädchen Wadjda

In the organizer's words:

D / SA 2012, color, 97 min.

Director: Haifaa Al Mansour

Introduction to the series and film: Dr. Maxa Zoller (Dortmund)

Until April 2013, women were not allowed to ride bicycles in Saudi Arabia. And life for girls and women in the country, which is characterized by strict Wahabi traditions, was and still is not easy. In this setting, Saudi director Haifaa Al Mansour places twelve-year-old Wadjda, a spirited and self-confident girl who, despite her young age, is very aware of the social degradation and curtailment of her freedom. Her most fervent wish at the moment is to have her own bicycle. However, as this is considered unseemly for girls, her mother refuses to fulfill her wish. Against all odds, the strong-willed child does everything she can to earn the necessary money herself.

This first film, shot entirely and partly illegally in Saudi Arabia, combines the touching story of a normal girl struggling to realize her life's dream with fascinating insights into the lives of Saudi women. Director Al Mansour: "I come from a small town where many girls like Wadjda live, girls who have big dreams, a strong character and a lot of potential. These girls can - and will - transform and redefine our society"

Price information:

Admission: 10 Euro / reduced: 5 Euro