Wadjda, directed by Haifaa Al-Mansour, the first film directed by a woman from Saudi Arabia opened in limited release this past weekend. The film made $40,419 after screening in just three theaters making it the best opening of the weekend amongst other limited release films. 

Al-Mansour’s film, which follows an 11-year-old girl who dreams of buying a bicycle is also the first film to be shot in it’s entirety in within Saudia Arabia. While the film could have potentially enraged its homeland, it was announced that Wadjda would be Saudi Arabia’s 2013 Oscar entry, the first time the country has chosen a film for entry. 

Sultan Al Bazie, president of the Saudi Society for Culture and Arts, commented on Wadjda’s entry into the Oscar race.

We are proud of the film as an authentic representation of our country and culture and are pleased to see the themes of the film resonate with audiences
well beyond our borders

Wadjda will continue a slow roll out release across the country.