Saudi Arabia
Haifaa al-Mansour created a film that was exclusively shot in Saudi Arabia. Thus, the setting becomes a major theme of the film as we see day to day life unfold in a country that very few have access to through cinema as the film industry is nonexistent there. By using a style closely related to neorealism, al-Mansour creates the feeling of real life in Saudi and specifically the experiences of women in the nation.
Oppression and Expression
The women in the Saudi culture are made to cover themselves head to toe in public and are not be heard from while in public. We see that this way of life is not changing, but Wadjda desires to be more, have more than what is socially acceptable in the Saudi culture for a woman. The film links the creation of a need for expression through the oppression placed upon women by the men in the culture.
Industriousness
Wadjda's character is the symbol of industriousness. She is told that she cannot ride a bike as it is not suitable for a girl. But, through all of the obstacles that attempt to hold her back she does everything she can to earn the SR800 that's necessary to buy the green bicycle. She makes bracelets and sells them to girls at her school, and eventually studies the Quran in order to win a recital competition to earn the SR1000 prize. She does not allow her circumstances to stand in the way of her dream.
