AZZA

In the organizer's words:

AZZA provides an intimate insight into the life of a Saudi Arabian woman striving for personal freedom in a country without freedom of expression. From an early age, she had to organize her life around others: married at 16, mother of four children, without access to education. She managed to divorce an abusive husband with a clever trick, but was cut off from her family and children and later had to remarry in order to be accepted again. She works as a driving instructor, struggles through everyday life and searches for a better life for herself and her children. A road trip through the desert becomes a journey of self-discovery and freedom that mirrors the challenges faced by many women. Filmed over three years, the documentary portrays Azza, her country and a society caught between tradition and modernity.

AZZA offers an intimate insight into the life of a Saudi woman pur- suing personal freedom in a country without freedom of expression. From a young age she had to compromise her life for others: married at 16, mother of four, and denied education. Through a clever trick, she divorced an abusive husband but was cut off from her family and children, later remarrying to be accepted again. Strug- gling daily, working as a driving instructor, and raising five children, she seeks a better life. A road trip into the desert becomes a jour- ney of self-discovery and freedom, reflecting the struggles of many women. Shot over three years, the documentary portrays Azza, her country, and a changing society caught between tradition and modernity.

Docu | Germany | 2025 | 89 min | OmeU | Director: Stefanie Brockhaus | FSK: 18 | CN: Film addresses domestic violence Docu | Germany | 2025 | 89 min | SEN | Director: Stefanie Brockhaus | VSR: 18 | CN: Film addresses domestic violence