Paris-based Nour Films recently acquired the French rights to Saudi director Tawfik Alzaidi’s debut feature film Norah. This groundbreaking move comes just in time for the world premiere of the film at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard section.
Norah will go down in history as the first-ever Saudi feature film to be included in Cannes’ Official Selection. This accomplishment is especially significant considering it comes only six years after Saudi Arabia lifted its 35-year cinema ban. The film is described as an elegant piece that blends age-old traditions with a yearning for liberation through art, knowledge, and aspirations beyond oneself.
The deal for Norah was facilitated by Sebastien Chesneau through his Cercamon banner, which recently secured the international sales rights for the film. This collaboration between Cercamon and Nour Films isn’t new, as they previously worked together on the Vietnamese drama Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell. The success of their past partnership at Cannes, where the film won the prestigious Camera d’Or award, speaks volumes about their synergy in bringing compelling stories to the global audience.
Set in Saudi Arabia during the 1990s, Norah explores a time when artistic expression was suppressed. The plot centers around a young teacher, Nader, who is also a secret artist. When he is assigned to a remote village for his first teaching job, he forms a connection with a young woman trapped in a life stifled by conservatism. The film’s cast includes talented Saudi actors Yaqoub Alfarhan, Maria Bahrawi, and Abdullah Alsadhan, promising a captivating cinematic experience for viewers.
Nour Films has a rich history of championing emerging international filmmakers alongside established names in the industry. Their portfolio includes works by acclaimed directors like Alejandro Jodorowsky, Rolf de Heer, Fernando Solanas, and Werner Herzog. With an exciting lineup of upcoming releases, including Viêt and Nam and other recent acquisitions like Gloria! and A Family, Nour Films continues to be a key player in promoting diverse cinematic voices on the global stage.
The acquisition of French rights to Norah marks a significant milestone for both Nour Films and Saudi cinema as a whole. The film’s poignant narrative and powerful performances are sure to leave a lasting impact on audiences worldwide, further solidifying the importance of storytelling in bridging cultural divides and fostering understanding.