NORAH
Saudi Arabia I 2023 I Arabic dialogue with English subtitles l 94 min
ABOUT FILM
“Norah” (2024), directed by Tawfik Alzaidi, is a groundbreaking Saudi Arabian drama set in the 1990s, depicting the transformative journey of Norah, a young woman residing in a conservative village. Her encounter with Nader, a failed artist turned teacher, ignites her passion for art and challenges societal norms.
The film is notable for being the first Saudi feature shot entirely in the AlUla region, showcasing its captivating landscapes. “Norah” premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in May 2024, receiving critical acclaim for its authentic storytelling and compelling performances.
Screening: April 30th 17:30 Panora – sal 1
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CAST & CREDITS
Director: Tawfik Alzaidi
Writer: Tawfik Alzaidi
Cast: Yaqoub Alfarhan, Maria Bahrawi, Abdullah Alsadhan
Dop: Shaun Harley Lee
Producer: Sharif Al-Majali
TAWFIK ALZAIDI
Tawfik Alzaidi is a Saudi director, based in Riyadh. He wrote, directed and produced “Norah”, his homegrown debut feature film. Tawfik is considered to be a leading and influential member of the new cinema wave in Saudi Arabia.
Tawfik began directing his own short films in 2006. His first short film “The Fabricated Crime” won best editing in the Jeddah Film Festival in 2007 and his film “The Silence” won the Gulf Short Film Award in the Muscat International Film Festival 2009.
In 2010, he wrote and directed “Exit” which won the Golden Creative award from Syndicate of cinema technicians in Lebanon.
In 2014, he wrote and directed “Four Colors” supported by Two Four 54 in the United Arab Emirates. The film was shown at the Dubai International Film Festival and featured in the Dubai Film Market.
In 2015, he wrote and directed “The Other”, funded by the Misk Foundation and won the award for best short film at the Riyadh Film Festival 2016. The film featured prominent Syrian actor Mohamed Al Qass and Saudi actor Meshal Almutairi.