This film is geo-blocked and only available to viewers in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine
Saudi Arabia’s submission to the 2021 Academy Awards – Best International Feature Film
A visually stunning feminist parable set in a dystopian landscape. SCALES is a timeless magical realist fable with a contemporary feminist message. Drawing on Arabic poetry and folklore, notably the ancient Syrian legend of the sea goddess Atargatis, SCALES follows the story of a strong-willed young girl, Hayat, whose poor fishing village is governed by a dark tradition. Shot on a remote stretch of Oman’s rugged, visually arresting coastline, SCALES depicts a community where brutal chauvinistic tradition dictates that each family must sacrifice a baby daughter to the mysterious mermaid-like monsters that lurk in the surrounding ocean to ensure the village can continue their fishing expeditions. When Hayat’s father refuses, the girl becomes a pariah, considered a curse by the village and urged to sacrifice herself – but Hayat has her owns plans for her destiny.
Read the Director’s statement about the film HERE