Ventnor Film Society present ... Wadja

Wadjda is the story of a mischievous 10 year-old girl's determination to buy a green bicycle so she can race her friend Abdullah.

In a culture where cycling is seen as dangerous to a girl's virtue, her mother refuses her request, so Wadjda takes matters into her own hands and tries to raise the money herself. At first her mother is too busy trying to stop her father taking a second wife to see what is going on. When Wadjda gets caught out, the chance to mix rebellion with piety comes when she hears of a competition to win a cash prize for reciting the Koran.

This is not only the first feature film to be made in Saudi Arabia, but is also by a female director.

It is a glimpse into a usually hidden society where there are no cinemas and where women are not allowed to drive, laugh out loud or walk the streets uncovered.

Here repression and male dominance are the norm, but the very making of this film is a hint that gradual change is possible. This is a courageous critique of female oppression but also an engaging and optimistic comedy-drama with a delightfully rebellious young heroine.

Tickets are £5 each, but you must book in advance. Please email [email protected]