Haifaa Al Mansour, director of the film "Wadjda", has become the first Saudi woman film director to win the "Best Film Award", at the sixth Gulf Film Festival (GFF) held last month.

"Wadjda" tells the story of a 10-year-old girl living in Riyadh who beats the odds to create a heartening tale of a girl's journey to own a bicycle.

The film also received the "Best Actor Award" for the outstanding performance by the young Saudi actress, Waad Mohamed.

"Wadjda" was produced by Rotana, which is chaired by Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal.

In 2012,  the film also received "Best Film Award" at the ninth Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), in the "Muhr Arab" feature, in addition to the CinemAvvenire award, CICAE Art Cinema award and the Interfilm award at the 69(th) annual Venice Film Festival, a statement said.

Al Mansour thanked Prince Alwaleed and expressed her delight at being the first Saudi female director.  She also commented that she was very proud to hold this position and regards it as a platform for further competitive opportunities for Saudi women in the film industry. - TradeArabia News Service