Paris-based Nour Films recently made a significant move by acquiring the French rights to Saudi director Tawfik Alzaidi’s debut feature film Norah. This film is set to make history as the first-ever Saudi feature to be showcased in the Official Selection of the Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard. It is worth noting that this milestone comes just six years after Saudi Arabia lifted its 35-year cinema ban.
According to Nour Films co-founding director Patrick Sibourd, Norah is described as an elegant film that intricately weaves together age-old traditions with a deep yearning for emancipation. The journey towards personal freedom in the film is portrayed through artistic expression, education, and a pursuit of something greater than oneself. Tawfik Alzaidi’s work on Norah is commendable for its powerful yet delicate storytelling.
The deal for Norah was facilitated by Sebastien Chesneau under his Cercamon banner, which recently secured the international sales mandate for the film. Notably, Cercamon and Nour Films had previously joined forces on the Vietnamese drama Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell, which garnered critical acclaim at Cannes and received the prestigious Camera d’Or award. The anticipation for Norah’s premiere at Cannes is palpable, with Chesneau expressing excitement about the film resonating deeply with audiences.
Set in Saudi Arabia during the 1990s, a period marked by restrictive artistic norms, Norah follows the story of Nader, a young teacher and aspiring artist who finds himself in a remote village for his first teaching assignment. There, he forms a bond with a young woman whose life has been constrained by the prevailing conservative values. The film boasts a talented cast, including rising Saudi actor Yaqoub Alfarhan, newcomer Maria Bahrawi, and veteran performer Abdullah Alsadhan.
Nour Films’ Impact on International Cinema
Nour Films has established a reputation for nurturing emerging talents from around the world while also collaborating with established filmmakers such as Alejandro Jodorowsky, Rolf de Heer, Fernando Solanas, and Werner Herzog. Their upcoming slate of releases includes Viêt and Nam, another Un Certain Regard entry by Vietnamese director Tru’o’ng Minh Quy, along with acclaimed titles like Gloria! and A Family.
The acquisition of Norah by Nour Films marks a significant moment for Saudi cinema, showcasing the country’s burgeoning talent on a global stage like Cannes. The film’s exploration of personal liberation and artistic expression is sure to resonate with audiences and further elevate the profile of Saudi filmmakers in the international film community.