RIYADH — The feature film "Scales" (Sayidat Al Bahr) will officially represent Saudi Arabia in the upcoming Oscars in the Best International Feature Film category, the Film Commission, the authority to develop the film sector and production environment in Saudi the Kingdom, has announced.

The film was nominated by a specialized committee and will compete against other films from around the world. It will go through several screening stages before making it to the final list chosen by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, which will be awarding the Oscars. The winner will be announced at the 93rd Academy Awards ceremony to be held on April 25, 2021.

The film "Scales," directed by Shahd Amin, was shown for the first time at the Venice International Film Festival. It was awarded the Verona Film Prize for the most innovative film, and was shown in other international festivals besides being shown inside Saudi Arabia in commercial cinemas. The film narrates, in a visual aesthetic form, the story of a girl who seeks to confront a traditional myth that controls her destiny.

Commenting on the nomination of her film at the Oscars, Shahd Amin said: "This is beyond my best expectations, especially as an Arab director." Adding that she made "Scales" in order to be fun and to become a catalyst for dialogue about the roles of women in society and the Arab world.

"The production of the film was a personal experience for me, and I am very proud that the film is chosen to represent my country on the global stage, and I hope that the film’s wonderful journey will serve as an inspiration to my fellow Saudi directors to move forward with their successful experiences." — SG