Wilaya
(Wilaya)
Pedro Pérez Rosado | Drama, Fiction
2012 | 97 minutes | Spain
With unprecedented access to the Sahrawi community, Pedro Pérez Rosado, provides a voice to this unrepresented group of refugees living in a Saharan refugee camp and their struggle for independence.
Synopsis
Fatimetu is born to a Sahrawi family in a Saharan refugee camp in Algeria and later sent to live with foster parents in Spain. After the death of her mother, she returns to the camp. She has been absent for sixteen years. Her brother now expects her to stay and look after her sister Hayat, who has difficulty walking. Fatimetu, who unlike the other women can drive a car, finds work transporting animals, meat, and bread from one administrative district to another. In time, the Sahrawi people become accustomed to the woman who tears about the desert without a hijab in her beaten up jeep. But Fatimetu is torn between life in the desert and her memories of her family and friends in Spain.
With unprecedented access to the Sahrawi community, Pedro Pérez Rosado, provides a voice to this unrepresented group of refugees and their struggle for independence. The outstanding performance of newcomer Nadhira Mohamed, who was herself born in a refugee camp in Tinduf, landed her the Best Actress award at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival.
Reviews
"Actress Nadhira Mohamed convincingly portrays a young person caught between two worlds. Made on location in Tindouf province, and including a unique original music score, Wilaya is a notable example of emerging independent international cinema." — Linda Frederiksen, Washington State University, EMRO
"With a strong insider's eye for detail (it's clear that Perez Rosado's love and concern for the region is genuine), the pic is always thought-provoking in its exploration of themes relating to exile and how it distorts selfhood, and to the clash between modernity and tradition." — Jonathan Holland, Variety
"Featuring terrific widescreen cinematography by Miguel Morales (Solitary Fragments) and a captivating score by Sahwari singer Aziza Brahim (who plays a neighboring widowed mother), the film boasts enough technical prowess to capture the muted, semi-nomadic lifestyle of its characters." — Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter
"Wilaya offers insight into a little-publicized world and derives most of its dramatic pull from the charismatic presence of lead actress Nadhira Mohamed." — Screen Daily
"Beautifully filmed and provides so much deep conversation…particularly dealing with human rights, identity and gender." — K. Angelique Dwyer, Assistant Professor of Spanish & Latin American Studies, Gustavus Adolphus College
Citation
Main credits
Perez Rosado, Pedro (screenwriter)
Perez Rosado, Pedro (film director)
Morales, José María (film producer)
Mohamed, Nadhira (actor)
Mohamed, Memona (actor)
Sidameg, Ainina (actor)
Brahim, Aziza (actor)
Other credits
Director of photography, Oscar Durán; editor, Iván Aledo; music, Aziza Brahim.
Citation
Cataloging
Pragda subjects
Culture + Identity
Disabilities
Family
Geography
Human Rights
Iberian Studies
Migration Studies
Sociology
Women
Keywords
Clips
Festivals
Berlin International Film Festival
Abu Dhabi Film Festival - Best Actress, New Horizons
Málaga Spanish Film Festival - Best Original Soundtrack
DIRECTOR: Pedro Pérez Rosado
NATIONALITY: Spain
YEAR: 2012
GENRE: Drama, Fiction
LANGUAGE: Spanish; Arabic; Other languages
COLOR / B&W: Color
GRADE LEVEL: Middle School, High School, College, Adults
SUBTITLE/CC: AVAILABLE
AUDIO DESCRIPTION: NOT AVAILABLE
Existing customers, please log in to view this film.
New to Pragda? Register to request a quote.
Related Films
Wiñay
Where I Grow Old
Cidade onde envelheço
Eggnog
Ponche de huevo
Undo Motherhood Ep. 02 - Isolation
Isolation
The Expert
La eminencia
Plot Point
Punto de giro
Singled [Out]: Being a Single Woman in an Era of Choice
Hijab
Hiyab
[M]otherhood
The Rock
La roca
The Awakening of the Ants
El despertar de las hormigas
Alegria
Alegría
Role & Role
Rol & Rol
Craft
Riscado
7 Weeks
7 semanas
On This Side of the World
A este lado del mundo
We All Like Plantain
A todos nos gusta el plátano
Kevin
This is Cristina
Ella es Cristina
Eugenia
Magali
Magalí
Related Collections
Fiction Films
A compelling glimpse into Spain and Latin America's rich storytelling traditions, showcasing a blend of established directors and emerging voices. Each film highlights the depth and creativity of the region.
Number of titles: 266
SEE COLLECTION >Middle School Collection
Given varying criteria for content ratings and age restrictions in different regions, Pragda STREAM recommends faculty watch films in their entirety before assigning them to students.
Number of titles: 220
SEE COLLECTION >Spanish Language Films
A cinematic highlight of the magic and diversity of the Spanish language.
Number of titles: 440
SEE COLLECTION >Diverse Abilities Collection
Through a lens of empathy and authenticity, these movies challenge societal norms and celebrate the resilience, triumphs, and complexities of the disabled community.
Number of titles: 24
SEE COLLECTION >Immigration and Exile
A captivating exploration of migration and exile experiences.
Number of titles: 109
SEE COLLECTION >Women's Voices
These films challenge dominant narratives and offer compelling feminine visions of the region's past, present, and future.
Number of titles: 216
SEE COLLECTION >High School Collection
Given varying criteria for content ratings and age restrictions in different regions, Pragda STREAM recommends faculty watch films in their entirety before assigning them to students.
Number of titles: 509
SEE COLLECTION >The Pragda Complete Film Collection
The essence of Spain and Latin America captured in their original language with English captions or subtitles.
Number of titles: 637
SEE COLLECTION >