Degree in Comparative Literature, American University, Cairo; Master’s in Film Studies, University of Sydney. First woman filmmaker in Saudi Arabia. The success of 2005 documentary “Women Without Shadows” influenced a new wave of Saudi filmmakers and made the issue of opening cinemas in the Kingdom front-page news. “Wadjda”, the feature debut, is the first feature film shot entirely in Saudi Arabia and the first by a woman director. The film received wide critical acclaim after its premiere at the 2012 Venice Film Festival. Recently published a novelization of the film titled “The Green Bicycle”. Currently working on post-production on “Nappily Ever After”, starring Sanaa Lathan. Film “Mary Shelley”, starring Elle Fanning and Douglas Booth, and based on the life of “Frankenstein” author Mary Shelley, will also come out later in 2019. First artist from the Arabian Gulf region to be invited to join the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.