Best Saudi Arabian Movies You Must Watch In 2023
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Roshan Amiri
- . January 4, 2023
- . Update: January 4, 2023 7:21 pm
Saudi cinema is a fascinating blend of traditional and modern filmmaking. Saudi Arabian films are diverse in themes and topics, but they always have a strong Saudi Arabian identity.
It is difficult to find the best Saudi films because there are so many of them, but I have compiled a list of 5 that you can’t miss.
The 6 Best Saudi Arabian Films of All Time
1. Wadjda
The film Wadjda is the first Saudi Arabian film to be directed by a woman. The director, Haifaa Al-Mansour, was born in Kuwait and raised in Saudi Arabia.
She made the film with a budget of about $3 million dollars. It is the first Saudi Arabian movie to be shot entirely on location in Riyadh and Jeddah.
Wadjda tells the story of a 10-year-old girl who wants to buy a bicycle for herself, but her father says she can’t have one because girls aren’t allowed to ride bicycles in their culture.
The girl then decides that she will enter a Quran recitation competition as an act of rebellion and prove that she has what it takes to win it.
2. Barakah Meets Barakah
Barakah Meets Barakah is a Saudi Arabian romantic comedy film directed by Haifaa Al-Mansour. The film was released in Saudi Arabia on 18 December 2017.
The film is a story of two young people, Faten and Tariq, who are from different social classes and backgrounds.
It deals with the challenges they face to be together in a society that is still deeply conservative.
The film has been praised for its representation of Saudi society, as well as its treatment of women’s rights and gender issues. It has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike.
It also became the first movie filmed entirely inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to be screened at the Cannes Film Festival in 2018. This movie was selected by The Guardian as one of the best films about love released in 2017.
It also won an award for “Best International Film” at the 2018 Abu Dhabi Film Festival and was nominated for “Best Original Film’ too.
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3. Iqbal
Iqbal is an inspirational film for youth. It tells the story of a young man who has to cope with the realities of life.
He has to make difficult decisions that will shape his future and the future of his family.
He faces many challenges and difficulties, but he never gives up hope and always tries to do what’s right in spite of all the hurdles that he encounters.
4. Omar
Omar is a London-based comedian and actor. He has been involved in various controversies, including making jokes about the Holocaust and the September 11 attacks.
His work has been banned from various countries.Omar was born in London to a Pakistani father and a British mother.
He grew up in Kentish Town, west London, where he attended St Edward’s Roman Catholic High School for Boys, as well as Our Lady of Lourdes Secondary School.
In his teens he began stand-up comedy training with Ivor Dembina at The Stand Comedy Club and performed on the open mic circuit.
5. A Girl From Damascus
This is a film about a Syrian LGBT person who has to flee Damascus because of the war. The film was produced by a woman and is the first film ever produced by a woman in Syria. It was also one of the top 10 Arabic films in 2018. Youssef’s sister lives in Berlin. Firas Zahran is a Syrian who has to flee Damsacus because of the war.
