design at Dar Al Hekma University. For a few years starting in 1983, she worked as the first female designer at her brother's furniture and design company. Saudiaat Working on her MFA required her to interview and organize an exhibit for local female artists. Her exhibition for her MFA turned into a regular exhibition called Saudiaat, featuring contemporary female Saudi Arabian artists. As well as featuring artwork, Saudiaat also supports local female artists and educates the public about the techniques involved in their work. As of 2012, the group has had four exhibitions, with the 2012 exhibition, titled "Directions", having been held in Jeddah. Other artists Hana Hajjar, cartoonist Hend Al-Mansour (born 1956), visual artist, physician Huda Totonji, American-based Saudi artist. Lulwah Al-Homoud (born 1967), patterns based on Arabic letters Ola Hejazi, artist, educator, influenced by the Arabic alphabet Safeya Binzagr, (born 1940), painter based in Jeddah. Sarah Mohanna Al Abdali (born 1989), street artist Fatima Abou Gahas, home frescos Wadjda Wadjda, is the first feature film to be made in Saudi Arabia it was directed by a woman. Haifaa Al Mansour, made her debut at the Venice film festival. Her feature film explores the restrictions placed on women in the conservative Islamic kingdom. It took her three years to have the permission and backing to make. It is a Saudi/German co-production, produced by the Berlin-based Razor Film Produktions with support from Rotana Studios. It is the first film entirely shot in Saudi Arabia, documenting the everyday trials and tribulations of a young Saudi Arabian girl, Wadja. It encapsulates her childhood journey opposing social norms and restrictions both at home and school. Al Mansour hoped the film would help to change attitudes towards women and film both within and outside Saudi Arabia. However, the film is yet to be seen in Saudi Arabia until its subsequent television release. Al Mansour claims to have faced a number of challenges casting and filming in a country steeped in conservative attitudes. She aimed to depict the segregation of women in Saudi Arabia. Namely, the fact that women have lower legal status than men, are subject to guardianship laws and are banned from driving. See also Women's rights in Saudi Arabia Saudi women in the arts Censorship in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabian art Women in Arab societies Human rights in Saudi Arabia Gender segregation and Islam Art History Saudi Arabian government Middle East Further