Haifaa Al-Mansour’s portrait of a Saudi woman who runs for political office may be headed to the Oscars. Saudi Arabia has submitted “The Perfect Candidate” as its official entry for the 2020 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature category, The Hollywood Reporter confirms. This is Saudi Arabia’s third-ever submission in the category. Its first came in 2014 — with another film by Al-Mansour, “Wadjda.”

Written by Al-Mansour and Brad Niemann, “The Perfect Candidate” tells the story of Dr. Maryam (Mila Alzahrani), a small town physician who is not receiving the funding she needs at her hospital nor the respect of her male patients. She decides to change the system from the inside and runs for municipal council.

“Mary Shelley” and “Nappily Ever After” are among Al-Mansour’s other credits. When we asked her advice for women filmmakers, she said, “International audiences want to hear from you. If you tell your story honestly, sincerely, and with a dedicated mind toward your craft, you will find an audience. Tell your stories  —  they are important and, if done right, will have a huge effect on the world,” she emphasized.

Other features in the running for the International Feature Film Oscar include May el-Toukhy’s “Queen of Hearts,” a drama about a lawyer who jeopardizes her career and family by having an affair with her teenage stepson, and Lila Avilés’ “The Chambermaid,” a portrait of a maid working in a luxurious hotel in Mexico City. The former is representing Denmark and the latter Mexico.