🚲 Behind the Veil: 10 Surprising Facts About the Making of Wadjda

Inside Saudi Arabia’s First Feature Film Directed by a Woman

“I want to buy that green bicycle so I can race Abdullah.”
— Wadjda

In a country where cinemas were banned for decades, and women weren’t allowed to drive, one woman made history with a simple story about a girl and her dream to ride a bicycle. Wadjda (2012) isn’t just a movie — it’s a cultural milestone.

Today, we’re going behind the scenes of this cinematic revolution, with behind-the-scenes video content, untold stories, and 10 fun facts about how Haifaa Al-Mansour brought Wadjda to life — against all odds.

📝 See how Haifaa Al-Mansour directed street scenes while hiding in a van due to Saudi gender laws.

📖 What is Wadjda About?

Set in Riyadh, the film follows Wadjda, a 10-year-old girl with a rebellious streak who wants to buy a green bicycle — even though riding one is frowned upon for girls. As she enters a Qur’an competition to raise the money, her quiet defiance becomes a symbol of hope, change, and agency.

🎯 Notable Achievements:

• First feature film shot entirely in Saudi Arabia
• First Saudi film directed by a woman
• Saudi Arabia’s first submission for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars

🌟 10 Fun (and Fascinating) Behind-the-Scenes Facts About Wadjda

1. It Was the First Feature Film Shot Entirely in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦

Before Wadjda, Saudi Arabia had no film industry to speak of. The production had to build the infrastructure from scratch, getting special permission to shoot in Riyadh.

2. The Director Had to Work from a Van 🚐

Due to strict gender segregation laws, Haifaa Al-Mansour couldn’t be on set with male crew members in public.
She directed many scenes remotely — via walkie-talkie from a van parked down the street.

3. Casting the Lead Took Over a Year 🎭

The filmmakers auditioned over 300 girls before finding Waad Mohammed, the non-professional actress who played Wadjda. Her natural charisma and confidence won everyone over.

4. The Green Bicycle Was Chosen for Symbolism 🚲

Wadjda’s green bicycle was no accident. Green represents youth, freedom, and Islamic tradition, creating a powerful contrast between modern aspirations and conservative norms.

5. Some Scenes Were Filmed Guerrilla-Style 🎥

Without a strong permitting system in Saudi Arabia, the team had to shoot scenes quickly and discreetly, sometimes without official clearance — especially in public spaces.

6. Haifaa Al-Mansour Is the First Female Saudi Director 🎬

She made history not only with the film, but by becoming a pioneer for Saudi women in cinema.
Today, she’s a global voice for gender equality in filmmaking.

7. The Script Took 5 Years to Finish ✍️

Al-Mansour started writing Wadjda in 2006. It took 5 years to refine the story and secure international backing — including support from Germany.

8. No Cinemas = No Public Screenings at the Time 🎞️

When the film was released, Saudi Arabia had no public cinemas (they reopened in 2018). The film premiered internationally, including at Venice, Sundance, and Telluride.

9. Wadjda’s School Was a Real Girls’ School 🏫

They filmed in an actual girls’ school in Riyadh, adding authenticity — but also requiring careful scheduling to comply with school and cultural restrictions.

10. The Film Sparked Conversations on Women’s Rights ✊

More than just entertainment, Wadjda became a catalyst for dialogue about gender, education, and freedom in the Middle East. It’s now studied in classrooms worldwide.

✨ Why Wadjda Still Inspires Today

Wadjda is the story of every girl who dared to dream differently, of filmmakers who refused to wait for permission, and of a society slowly shifting gears. With its heartwarming charm and quiet bravery, it paved the way for a new generation of Saudi storytellers — especially women.

💬 What’s Your Favourite Scene from Wadjda?

👇 Comment below with the moment that moved you most — and don’t forget to share this post with your fellow film lovers and language learners!