Discovery Family Film Club: Wadjda

In Saudi Arabia in the 2000s, Wadjda, a fun-loving eleven-year-old dreams of having a bicycle so she can race her friend, Abdullah, a boy from her neighbourhood. But riding bikes is frowned upon for girls and her mother refuses to buy one for her. Undeterred by what she considers unfair rules, Wadjda decides to enter her school’s Quran recital competition, determined to win the cash prize which will allow her to buy the beautiful green bicycle she sees on her way to school every day. 

The first film ever made by a female Saudi Arabian director; Wadjda is a sweetly uplifting coming of age story exploring the immense challenges women face in Saudi Arabia from the perspective of an independent-minded young girl. Nominated for a BAFTA award and winner of numerous international accolades, Wadjda is a pleasure to watch, an ode to personal freedom while also effective in calling for social change.