Scales - Screening

A dystopian story of a young strong-willed girl, Hayat, who lives in a poor fishing village governed by tradition in which every family must give one daughter to the sea creatures.

• Screening of the film Scales. The directing debut by Saudi filmmaker Shahd Ameen
• Premiered in Critics’ Week at the Venice International Film Festival 2019 and was screened at the BFI London Film Festival 2019.
• Followed by a Q&A with the director.

Watch the trailer

Synopsis

Set in a dystopian landscape, Scales is the story of a young strong-willed girl, Hayat, who lives in a poor fishing village governed by a dark tradition in which every family must give one daughter to the sea creatures who inhabit the waters nearby. In turn the sea creatures are hunted by the men of the village. Saved from this fate by her father, Hayat is considered a curse on the village and grows up an outcast. Nevertheless, she does not surrender to this fate and fights for a place within her village. After her mother gives birth to a baby boy, Hayat must accept the brutal custom of giving herself to the sea creatures or finding a way to escape.

• English Subtitles
• Director: Shahd Ameen
• Written by: Shahd Ameen
• Genre: Drama, Mystery
• Run time: 1h 14min

Presented by the NYUAD Film and New Media Program in partnership with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and The Arts Center.