Director Haifaa Al Mansour, a native of Saudi Arabia, is embarking on her third film that delves into the reality of women in her country during a period of significant social change. The upcoming crime feature, titled Unidentified, aims to shine a light on the struggles and triumphs of Saudi women in a society that is transitioning towards more inclusive ideals. Al Mansour expressed her excitement to return home for this project and use the criminal mystery genre as a vehicle to explore deeper issues affecting women in the Kingdom.
The narrative of Unidentified revolves around the discovery of the lifeless body of a teenage girl in the desert near a small town. As nobody comes forward to claim the body, the protagonist Noelle Al Saffan, a true crime enthusiast who is dealing with personal tragedies of her own, becomes deeply involved in solving the mystery. Despite the challenges and time constraints, Noelle is driven by a relentless determination to identify the girl and uncover the truth behind her death. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a society in flux, where women are asserting themselves and taking charge of their destinies.
Haifaa Al Mansour emphasizes the significant transformations happening within Saudi Arabia, particularly in the realm of women’s rights and opportunities. The director is thrilled to take audiences on a journey of discovery through Unidentified, as they navigate through the clues that lead to unraveling the mystery of the young woman’s tragic demise. Al Mansour’s dedication to showcasing the evolving landscape of her homeland reflects her commitment to storytelling that resonates with global audiences.
With her groundbreaking debut film, Wadjda, Al Mansour made history as the first female Saudi director to shoot a feature entirely in Saudi Arabia. The movie garnered critical acclaim, premiering at prestigious international film festivals and becoming Saudi Arabia’s entry to the Oscars. Al Mansour’s subsequent projects, like Mary Shelley and Nappily Ever After, further solidified her reputation as a versatile and talented filmmaker with a unique perspective. Returning to Saudi Arabia post the lifting of the cinema ban, Al Mansour continued to push boundaries with films like The Perfect Candidate, which also received accolades on the global stage.
The script for Unidentified, crafted by Al Mansour and Brad Niemann, promises to be a thrilling and captivating exploration of societal challenges through the lens of a crime investigation. The partnership between UTA Independent Film Group, Memento International, and Rotana Studios underscores the international appeal and significance of the project. Memento International praised Al Mansour’s directorial prowess and the engaging nature of the script, hinting at another milestone in the director’s illustrious career.
Haifaa Al Mansour’s Unidentified stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of Saudi women in a society undergoing transformative changes. Through the lens of a gripping crime mystery, the film promises to shed light on the resilience and spirit of Saudi women as they navigate through challenges and seek truth and justice. Al Mansour’s unwavering dedication to telling stories that inspire and provoke thought cements her position as a visionary filmmaker pushing boundaries and breaking stereotypes in the world of cinema.