Latest news with #ShahadAmeen
Broadcast Pro
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Saudi film ‘Hijra' to compete at Venice Film Festival 2025
Shot over more than 55 days in eight Saudi cities, the story unfolds against the backdrop of Hajj. 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.
Saudi Gazette
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Saudi Gazette
Shahad Ameen's Hijra selected for 82nd Venice Film Festival spotlight
RIYADH — Saudi filmmaker Shahad Ameen's highly anticipated second feature Hijra has been officially selected to screen in the Spotlight Competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, taking place from August 27 to September 6, 2025. The selection marks a major milestone for Ameen, whose debut film Scales also premiered at Venice, represented Saudi Arabia in the Oscars, and went on to win over 15 international awards. With Hijra, Ameen returns to Venice as both writer and director, teaming up with renowned Iraqi filmmaker Mohamed Al-Daradji as lead producer. Described as a poetic road movie set in 2001, Hijra follows a grandmother traveling from the south of Saudi Arabia to Mecca with her two granddaughters. When one of them disappears, the journey shifts northward in search of her, revealing the emotional and physical landscapes of Saudi Arabia. Filmed in nine diverse locations — from AlUla and Tabuk to NEOM and Jeddah — the film is a cinematic exploration of intergenerational womanhood, identity, and belonging. 'Hijra is one of the most challenging films I've ever worked on,' Ameen said. 'We believed deeply in telling this story about Saudi women through a rich human and historical context.' The film features Khairia Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhafiri, and newcomer Lamar Fadan in the lead role of Janna, with a special appearance by Baraa Alem. It is a co-production between Beit Ameen for Production, the Iraqi Independent Film Center, and Ideation Studios, with support from Film AlUla, NEOM, Ithra, and the Red Sea Film Festival Foundation. International distribution is handled by CAA, with CineWaves distributing in Saudi Arabia and Film Clinic Indie Distribution managing regional rights across the Arab the scenes, Hijra boasts a high-caliber international crew, including editor Hervé de Luze (The Pianist), cinematographer Miguel Littin Menz (The Vast of Night), and composer Armand Amar (Bab'Aziz), alongside Saudi talents Meznah Alharbi and Toufic in Saudi Arabia's landscapes and soul, Hijra reaffirms the Kingdom's cinematic rise — blending global storytelling with a deeply local voice. — SG
Arab News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Saudi film ‘Hijra' to compete at Venice festival
RIYADH: Saudi filmmaker Shahad Ameen's feature film 'Hijra' (Migration) will compete in the Venice Spotlight Competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Backed by the Film Commission's Daw program, the selection is Saudi Arabia's latest bid for global recognition after Ameen's award-winning debut 'Scales' premiered at the same festival in 2019. The film follows a grandmother, Khairiya Nazmi, and her granddaughter, Lamar Feddan, as they journey across northern Saudi Arabia to find a missing teenage girl. Shot over more than 55 days in eight Saudi cities – Taif, Jeddah, Madinah, Wadi Al-Faraa, AlUla, Tabuk, NEOM, and Duba – the story unfolds against the backdrop of Hajj. Ameen's narrative explores Saudi Arabia's historical role as a crossroads for Muslim communities, weaving themes of migration and intergenerational resilience. Saudi filmmaker Shahad Ameen's feature film 'Hijra' (Migration) will compete in the Venice Spotlight Competition Film Commission CEO Abdullah Al-Qahtani said: 'Our participation in the Venice International Film Festival reflects the remarkable progress of Saudi cinema and the dedication of our filmmakers. 'Through initiatives like the Daw program, we empower a new generation of Saudi storytellers to share authentic narratives with global audiences. We are honored to represent the Kingdom at this prestigious event and look forward to building new partnerships and opportunities for Saudi talent.' He noted that the Daw initiative has supported more than 250 regional films since its launch, aligning with Vision 2030's goal of positioning Saudi cinema on the global stage. During the festival, the commission will host a roundtable, 'Young Audiences and Cinemas,' to explore strategies for engaging younger generations through local and global case studies. It will also present a panel, 'Making Cinematic Success,' featuring Saudi filmmakers crafting original narratives inspired by local culture and connecting with global audiences. At the same venue, nine Saudi short films will be screened, showing the diversity of national creative talent and storytelling.
