THE PERFECT CANDIDATE
Saudi Arabia, Germany I 2019 I Arabic dialogue with Swedish subtitles l 101 min
Maryam loves her job as a doctor in a small hospital in rural Saudi Arabia, even if some male patients refuse to receive treatment from her. When she is invited for a medical conference abroad, she is happy and feels confirmed in her professional role. But her happiness is thwarted when the authorities require her father’s approval, who happens to be away travelling. Angry and frustrated, Maryam decides to take the matter into her own hands. With the entire patriarchal rule against her, she decides to run as a candidate in the upcoming municipal elections.
A new film from the director behind the acclaimed Wadjda.
Director: Haifaa Al Mansour
Writer: Brad Niemann, Haifaa Al Mansour
DOP: Patrick Orth
Producer: Brad Niemann, Gerhard Meixner, Haifaa Al Mansour, Roman Paul
Cast: Dae Al Hilali, Mila Al Zahrani, Nora Al Awadh
Haifaa Al Mansour is the first Saudi Arabian, female director. Her first
feature film (Wadjda) wins the audience award in Gothenburg
international film festival 2013. The Perfect Candidate is the second
feature film for Haifaa