Haifaa al-Mansur was interviewed by the Saudi news channel El-Ekhbaria. It was the first time I see the Saudi director talks. She does not seem to know how to express her ideas by words, but I think it is good that she gets the attention she deserves. Al-Mansur has filmed most of her documentary in Hassa, my hometown, where she was raised. The interviewer was emphasizing on the controversy the documentary has made. Al-Mansur said this documentary, which is her first long feature, is a simple work. “I was only delivering the views of women in this country. When I made this film, I did not have a certain ideology in my mind.” Al-Mansur who said she “love[s] cinema,” is not sure if she was going to make another documentary, because she prefers making drama.

I think it is such a good thing that this documentary is provoking controversy. This country needs controversy to teach people how to respect others’ point of view. I was glad to see al-Mansur, who says she is a moody person and can work only when inspiration hits her, was answering all the questions, no matter how tough they were, with a pretty smile on her face. I feel really proud.