Norah

Upstairs Auditorium

Set in Saudi Arabia in the 90s, when artistic expression was banned, NORAH is a powerful story about a new schoolteacher (Nader) and a young woman (Norah), in a small remote village. At great risk, they develop a tender friendship and inspire one another to keep their creativity alive despite the restrictions. Nader, originally an artist, enlightens Norah on the wider world outside of the village. She realises she must leave her world to find a place where she can be free to express her artistic self.

2 wins & 3 nominations

Cannes Film Festival - 2024 Nominee Un Certain Regard Award, 2024 Nominee Golden Camera, 2024 Winner Un Certain Regard Award - Special Mention

International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights - 2025 Nominee Fiction Grand Award

Red Sea International Film Festival - 2023 Winner Audience Award - Best Saudi Film

This film takes place in my country, Saudi Arabia, in the 90s when art in all its shapes, forms and colours was not allowed. Everything has changed now but it was a time that lasted a long 35 years. Many artists and musicians stopped their artistic careers because of the pressure exerted on them. This film is about those special people who managed to keep their creativity alive despite being considered different or outsiders by their society at that time.

But those artists inspired the artists of today, the new generation, and their work is now recognized all around the world. I believe there is always creativity inside people that needs to have an outlet in the outside world. Creativity, for me, is a tool to communicate between people and I want to show that in this film.- Tawfik Alzaidi

Host or Publisher Calgary Arab Arts & Culture Society