National Geographic Documentary Films has acquired the rights to “Saudi Runaway” following its world premiere at last month’s Sundance Film Festival, Deadline confirms.

Susanne Regina Meures’ documentary tells the story of Muna, a young woman in Saudi Arabia who resents her controlling father and dreads her imminent arranged marriage. Frustrated by living a life dictated by the state and her family, she plans an escape — and documents her harrowing journey using her phone.

“In Saudi Arabia, women are treated as minors all of their lives. Saudi women still need the permission of a male relative or guardian to make major life decisions, including marriage, divorce, and work,” Meures told us. “The system also makes it extremely difficult for women to seek help for domestic and sexual violence issues. Male guardians can still file cases of filial ‘disobedience,’ a crime that can lead to a forcible return of the accused women to their guardian’s home, or imprisonment in a women’s shelter. Many women have had enough of their claustrophobic existence under the archaic patriarchy. But trying to get out of Saudi Arabia is not easy, and it is incredibly dangerous.”

The director was drawn to telling this story after reading about “teenagers and young women [who] fled the Kingdom under dramatic circumstances. Some were successful, but many failed and faced unthinkable consequences,” she explained.

Meures emphasized, “The topic is very current and of great urgency and relevance. So far, no one has tried to give voice to these women and their yearning for freedom. Although the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is at the center of world affairs, only a few authentic images from Saudi Arabia exist. There are no personal stories out there, and Muna’s life essentially summarizes a human rights drama at its core.”

“Saudi Runaway” is currently screening at the Berlin International Film Festival. No word on a release date yet.

Meures debut film, 2016’s “Raving Iran,” was shown at over 130 film festivals worldwide.