Haifaa al-Mansour is a film director from Saudi Arabia. Actually, she's the first female director from Saudi Arabia, and the first person ever to have filmed an entire movie in that country.
As you read this entry, keep in mind that al-Mansour was able to accomplish this in a country where women are not allowed to DRIVE, and until recently were not allowed to vote. It's so easy for us to forget there are actually places like Saudi Arabia in the world today. If you're like me, you're equally awed and appalled that Haifaa al-Mansour could succeed, and that the film, Wadjda, could be as good as it is.
I urge you to take a moment to watch this clip from The Daily Show--it does a much better job than I can of introducing Haifaa al-Mansour.
Karen and I loved Wadjda! It's a simple story about a girl who wants a bike, and yet there are layers upon layers of other stories being told. You could watch this film at various times in your life, and would come away having learned something new every time. But each time you would be struck by the sheer determination of Wadjda. And what a message for us, not only during Women's History Month, but every day--life continues to be hard for females in many parts of our world, but thankfully there is always a voice speaking out for justice and equality. Our job is to help, in any way can, to make sure that voice is heard, believed, and acted on.
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