Sharia law- Sharia law, or Islamic law is the religious law forming part of the Islamic tradition. It is derived from the religious precepts of Islam, particularly the Quran and the Hadith. 

Mutawa- religious police in Saudi Arabia whose duty is to ensure strict adherence to established codes of conduct; offenders may be detained indefinitely; foreigners are not excluded.

Haram- forbidden or proscribed by Islamic law.

Niqab- a veil worn by some Muslim women in public, covering all of the face apart from the eyes.

Abaya- a full-length, sleeveless outer garment worn by some Muslim women.

Haifaa al-Mansour is a Saudi Arabian film director. She is one of the country's best-known and most controversial directors, and the first female Saudi filmmaker. Haifaa al-Mansour has been living in Bahrain for some years with her husband, Bradley Niemann, an American diplomat, and their two children, Adam and Hailey

Haifaa Al- Mansour wanted to make the film about her hometown – a small town in Saudi Arabia called Zulfi. She made sure that throughout the film she incorporated her experiences as a Child growing up. Although when filming they had permission ordinary people didn’t understand film and it made them nervous. A lot of the neighbourhoods in Saudi did not want cameras around and they would chase Haifaa out while she was filming. While filming Haifaa faced many issues as she was not allowed to be outside with actors, she had to use a walkie-talkie while in a Van to communicate with men,  as they are not allowed to mix in the workplace. 

Haifaa come from a very traditional background, and she describes herself very much like Wadjda. The character of Wadjda was inspired by her own childhood and she says that she even wore sneakers under your dress when she was attending school. Haifaa had very strong opinions about using the bike in the making of the film, as she thought that through using a bicycle it would clearly represent her message of what women can and should be. 

They can’t;