With humor and determination, Azza fights for her independence in Saudi Arabia. She cleverly wins her divorce, teaches women to drive, and sets off into the desert—into her country and herself. A story of rebellion, self-discovery, and maternal devotion in a society that denies women freedom.
How can one rebel and reclaim independence in Saudi Arabia? The film’s protagonist, Azza, would answer: with cunning. Married at 16 and already a mother of four teenagers, she dreams of freedom from a failed marriage. Using her wits, she secures a divorce and strives to maintain financial independence by working as a driving instructor for women. Behind the wheel of a large SUV, she feels confident and—just as on the road—navigates life’s obstacles: lack of education, unstable employment, family exclusion, and estrangement from her children. She does everything to ensure her daughters do not endure what she herself experienced. With humor, she comes up with new ideas—like embarking on a car trip across the desert without her husband. The journey becomes a way to discover both her country and herself. Driving proves to be a tool of freedom—just as it is for many women. Shot over three years, the film offers an intimate look at Azza’s life, her homeland, and a society on the cusp of change, suspended between tradition and modernity.
Director’s words on Azza:
“For years, I searched for women willing to let me into their lives—I lost many along the way. Saudi society is very closed. Outsiders or people outside the family are not allowed into homes. I could rely on Azza as a close friend, which gave me access to a world usually off-limits”.
After the screening there will be a meeting with the film director Stephanie Brockhaus.
Stefanie Brockhaus
Stefanie Brockhaus grew up in Munich, Germany. She holds a BA from London University of the Arts in Film Directing. Her graduation film JAM won the Lux Award for Best Short Film and was shown at MOMA in New York. She graduated from the University of Television and Film Munich (HFF). Her first documentary On the Other Side of Life was followed by Some Things Are Hard to Talk About and The Poetess. Stefanie has produced and directed several documentaries. Her films have screened at international film festivals worldwide and have won numerous awards. Stefanie currently works as an independent filmmaker in Marseille. She has lived in London, Los Angeles, Cape Town and Munich.
Director: Stefanie Brockhaus
Producer(s): Hans Robert Eisenhauer
Production: Ventana-Film GmbH
Language: Arabic, English
Subtitles: Polish, English
