Venice (AFP)

Saudi filmmaker Haifaa Al-Mansour moved the Venice Film Festival on Thursday, shedding tears at the evocation of obstacles facing women around the world, hoping for a better future for her daughter.

"I think we women, we certainly meet all over the world with very similar resistance," said Haifaa Al-Mansour, the first woman to become a filmmaker in her country, during the press conference of her film " The Perfect candidate ".

"The Perfect Candidate", one of only two films made by women in competition at the Mostra this year, marks the return of the director to Venice after having presented in 2012 her first feature film "Wadjda" in the parallel section Orizzonti.

This new feature film by the filmmaker describes the barriers faced by a young woman doctor in Saudi Arabia when she decides to stand in the municipal elections, facing a conservative society dominated by men.

Referring to the difficulties women face in gaining professional recognition in the world, beyond Saudi Arabia, the 45-year-old filmmaker, who also worked in the United States, said they needed to "really fight to be in positions of responsibility ", while the men" did not have to lead this fight ".

"We must unite as women, and truly support each other, believe in each other, believe in our successes," she continued.

She said that "cultivating this sorority was at the heart of a new feminist movement, through which we can empower the younger generations, so that they do not need to fight like us to assert themselves".

"I want my daughter to know a world like this in the future," she added, her voice choking with emotion, unable to hold back her tears, under loud applause.

The filmmaker then estimated that "the festivals should definitely support the female directors", while the Mostra is criticized for having selected this year only two out of 21 women's films, after only one last year.

But, she added, "it really has to start with funding, with the opening of studios to more women and diversity."

"There is a gap that is opening now, that's it, and we're seeing things change, but it should start from the previous stages," she insisted. "It's not just about festivals".

© 2019 AFP