The first woman director from Saudi Arabia, Haifaa Al-Mansour (Wadjda, PSIFF 2013), returns to her home country with this empowering tale of a strong, bold and endearing female character living in a society where gender equality is still taboo. When young, resolute Saudi doctor Maryam (Mila Al Zahrani) is barred from flying to a medical conference because of an expired travel permit and discovers she’s unable to renew without her father’s signature, she reaches a breaking point. All of Maryam’s daily frustrations and feelings of powerlessness push her to go up against the system and run for a seat in the local city election. The fact that she can't show her face in promotional materials and ad campaigns, or even meet directly with male voters at rallies, won't stop Maryam’s determination to make a change in her community.

In competition for the FIPRESCI Prize

Writer/director Haifaa Al-Mansour is expected to be in attendance on January 7 and 8.