The Saudi film industry is celebrating a momentous achievement as “Norah” earns a prestigious nomination at Cannes Film Festival. The brilliant Tawfik Al-Zaidi wrote and directed the film. This cinematic gem has been selected as part of the festival’s Official Selection in the ‘Un Certain Regard’. The festival will take place in Cannes, France, from May 14 to 25.
Set in a 1990s Saudi village and filmed in AlUla, “Norah” explores the transformative impact of art amidst societal change. Led by Maria Bahrawi, Yaqoub Al-Farhan, and Abdullah Al-Sadhan, the film promises a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences worldwide.
The Cannes nomination for “Norah” is a significant milestone. It highlights Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a key player in the international film arena. As the first Saudi film to feature in Cannes’ Official Selection, “Norah” paves the way for future Saudi filmmakers, showcasing their talent and creativity to the world.
The Saudi Film Commission’s ‘Daou’ initiative supported the feature film “Norah”. It clinched the top prize of a funding award from the Saudi Film Commission’s Daou Film Competition. The Kingdom’s Ministry of Culture launched this initiative in September 2019. It aims to support Saudi film production and nurture the next generation of filmmakers. Also, the film garnered support from the Quality of Life program, one of the Kingdom’s Vision 2023 initiatives, Film AlUla, Generation 2030. In addition to the Red Sea Film Festival, where it premiered in December 2023.
As anticipation builds for its Cannes debut, “Norah” stands poised to captivate audiences with its powerful narrative and stellar performances. Its journey from Saudi Arabia to Cannes symbolizes the resilience and determination of Saudi filmmakers, highlighting the universal language of cinema to inspire and connect us all.