Saudi film ‘Hijra' to compete at Venice Film Festival 2025
Saudi filmmaker Shahad Ameen's second feature film, Hijra, has been officially selected for the Spotlight Competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, set to run from August 27 to September 6, 2025. The selection marks a major return to Venice for Ameen, whose debut Scales also premiered at the festival, represented Saudi Arabia at the Oscars, and collected more than 15 international awards.
Ameen takes on both writing and directing roles for Hijra, collaborating with celebrated Iraqi filmmaker Mohamed Al-Daradji as lead producer. Set in 2001, the film is described as a poetic road movie centred around a grandmother's journey from southern Saudi Arabia to Mecca with her two granddaughters. When one of the girls goes missing, the quest takes a dramatic turn northward, unfolding an emotional and physical journey across the Kingdom's varied terrain. Shot across nine different locations including AlUla, Tabuk, Neom and Jeddah, the film is a layered reflection on identity, womanhood, and belonging.
Ameen described Hijra as one of the most demanding projects of her career, highlighting its strong focus on Saudi women told through a deeply human and historical lens. Leading the cast is newcomer Lamar Fadan in the role of Janna, alongside Khairia Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhafiri and a guest appearance by Baraa Alem.
The film is a co-production between Beit Ameen for Production, the Iraqi Independent Film Centre, and Ideation Studios, with institutional backing from Film AlUla, Neom, Ithra and the Red Sea Film Festival Foundation. International sales are managed by CAA, while CineWaves is distributing in Saudi Arabia and Film Clinic Indie Distribution is handling regional rights across the Arab world.
Supporting Hijra's vision is a top-tier international crew including editor Hervé de Luze (The Pianist), cinematographer Miguel Littin Menz (The Vast of Night) and composer Armand Amar (Bab'Aziz), along with Saudi talents Meznah Alharbi and Toufic Khreich.
Rooted in the landscapes and cultural depths of Saudi Arabia, Hijra is a powerful statement of the Kingdom's growing voice in global cinema.
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