Director Haifaa Al Mansour is set to make waves with her upcoming crime feature film, Unidentified, which delves into the hidden lives of Saudi women during a period of significant social change in the country. This marks Al Mansour’s third film focusing on the struggles and triumphs of women in Saudi Arabia, using the criminal mystery genre to shed light on deeper issues that impact their lives.
The narrative of Unidentified revolves around the discovery of a teenage girl’s lifeless body in the desert outside a small town. The protagonist, Noelle Al Saffan, a divorced true crime enthusiast who recently experienced the loss of a child, becomes deeply invested in solving the mystery surrounding the girl’s death. Despite the challenges and obstacles she faces, Noelle is determined to uncover the truth and give a voice to the voiceless.
Through this gripping story, Al Mansour aims to highlight the evolving roles of women in Saudi society, where they are increasingly asserting their independence and taking control of their destinies. The film serves as a reflection of the significant changes taking place within the Kingdom, particularly in relation to women and their rights. By bringing attention to these issues, Al Mansour hopes to spark conversations and inspire audiences to support the empowerment of women in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Haifaa Al Mansour made history in 2012 with her debut film, Wadjda, which was not only the first feature to be shot entirely in Saudi Arabia but also the first feature directed by a Saudi woman. The success of Wadjda propelled Al Mansour onto the global stage, leading to opportunities to direct English-speaking films such as Mary Shelley and Nappily Ever After. Her return to Saudi Arabia post the 35-year cinema ban paved the way for groundbreaking projects like The Perfect Candidate and now, Unidentified.
Written by Al Mansour and Brad Niemann, the script for Unidentified promises to be a gripping crime investigation that tackles societal issues with an entertaining twist. The collaboration between Al Mansour, Rotana Studios, and the support of UTA Independent Film Group and Memento International, underscores the significance of this project in shedding light on the complexities of women’s lives in Saudi Arabia.
As Al Mansour gears up to start shooting Unidentified and prepares to share her latest work with audiences worldwide, the anticipation and excitement surrounding the film continue to grow. With themes of empowerment, resilience, and hope woven into the narrative, Unidentified has the potential to leave a lasting impact on viewers and serve as a testament to the power of storytelling in driving social change. Haifaa Al Mansour’s commitment to amplifying the voices of Saudi women through her work is a testament to her influence as a trailblazing filmmaker in the industry.