DOHA: After sell-out screenings last weekend, critically acclaimed Saudi film Wadjda will have five more screenings next week as part of the latest instalment of Katara DFI Cinema Series Arab Voices.
Arab Voices is a programme celebrating the diversity of Arab culture, featuring contemporary films from leading cinematic voices in the Mena region.
The programme scheduled from April 18 to 22 at Katara Drama Theatre will also feature two showings of Karzan Kader’s film Bekas.
Bekas tells the story of two homeless, orphaned brothers inspired to travel to America after they see Superman in the city’s first cinema, under the oppressive regime of Saddam Hussein in Iraqi Kurdistan.
They have no passports or money and their only means of transport is a donkey called Michael Jackson.
With all the odds against them, they set out towards their dream, discovering during their journey that perhaps they were superheroes themselves.
Bekas was a crowd favourite at the Dubai International Film Festival where it won the People’s Choice award.
Wadjda, the first film 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 losing hope, she hears of a cash prize for a Quran recitation competition at her school.
Directed by Haifaa Al Mansour, Wadjda won three awards at the Venice Film Festival where it premiered last year.
It has been screened in 12 countries, winning critical and popular acclaim. It was named best film at the Dubai Film Festival in December.
For tickets, Box Office timings and full films listing, log in to www.dohafilminstitute.com/arab-voices or visit DFI Ticket Outlet in Katara, Building 26, from April 14 to 22 between 1pm and 7pm.
The Peninsula
