Riyadh, KSA – Saudi Arabia’s cinematic journey takes a historic stride as “Norah,” backed by the Red Sea Fund, finds itself among the elite selections of the Cannes Film Festival.
Directed by Tawfik Alzaidi, this Saudi film earned its place in the ‘Un Certain Regard’ section of the prestigious festival, marking a major moment for Saudi cinema on the global stage.
“Norah” first premiered at the 3rd Red Sea International Film Festival, where it won the Film AlUla Award for Best Saudi Feature Film.
Set against the backdrop of 1990s Saudi Arabia, “Norah” narrates a tale of liberation through art, following the journey of an illiterate young woman (portrayed by newcomer Maria Bahrawiu) who discovers her wings through painting. Shot in the desert of AlUla, the film explores the transformative power of creativity, and the essence of humanity itself.
Starring Yaqoub Alfarhan, Maria Bahrawi, and Abdullah Alsadhan, “Norah” is a testament to Alzaidi’s multifaceted talent as writer, director, and producer.
Since starting in 2021, the Red Sea Fund has supported more than 250 films across different genres and formats. This support has not only enriched Saudi cinema but also won many top awards worldwide.
Thierry Frémaux, the Festival Director of Cannes, praised the Red Sea International Film Festival for changing the film scene in the region.
Jomana R. Alrashid, Chairwoman of the Red Sea Film Foundation, expressed pride in “Norah’s” groundbreaking achievement, emphasizing the Foundation’s role in championing Saudi filmmakers and their stories. Mohammed Al-Turki, CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, hailed this moment as transformative, showcasing the burgeoning talent within Saudi cinema.