Stefanie Brockhaus

Azza

On the Highway of Freedom and Revolution

Azza takes no nonsense from anyone, not even under the suffocating weight of societal norms. Her future was cut short at sixteen when she was forced into marriage, ending her education, while an abusive relationship shattered her dreams. Through sheer courage, she managed to secure a divorce – only to discover that without a husband, she had no place in society. It was only after remarrying that she regained access to her family and children.

The documentary follows the life of Azza, a Saudi woman for whom driving is both a livelihood and a lifeline to freedom. Her work as a driving instructor is nothing short of extraordinary in a country where women were only granted the right to drive a few years ago. Despite the shadows of past trauma and the obstacles of her present, Azza’s light and determination carry her forward – whether in her daily struggles or on an extraordinary five-day journey across deserts and coastlines. Her mission is clear: to build a brighter future for her children and to ensure that her daughters can claim the independence she herself was denied.

With the spirit of a road movie, Azza captures how the life of one fearless woman reflects the turbulent transformation of an entire nation. It shows us that freedom can be found in the most ordinary acts – one crossroad and one driver’s license at a time.