By: Ranim Elgabakhngi
Hijra by Shahad Ameen is making headlines in mainstream news at the 2025 Venice International Film Festival, being an exciting, historic event not just for Saudi cinema and creativity, but even beyond that. Hijra went through three years of development and it touches upon migration, family and identity, which provide a dose of reality and reflects the broader importance of Saudi Arabia’s flourishing presence in the world of cinema.
Attachment and Oblivion
Set in 2001, Hijra presents both a personal loss and a struggle with belonging, all along the movie’s road; we follow a grandmother and two granddaughters from Taif as they embark on a poetic journey across Saudi Arabia’s desert, it relates to inheritance and generational ties. The stranded women from various generations, means a fair amount of high ‘midst’. It represents women as the catalysts of Saudi Arabia’s societal progression. Hijra debuted in the Venice Spotlight section, so overall a big step for Saudi cinema.
Cross Culture Collab
Hijra has done well in a collaborative sense; it was made possible with the Red Sea Film Fund and through co-productions with other cultural entities in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Egypt and the UK. The film was also made possible using the expertise of various cultural institutions, including Film AlUla, NEOM, and the Ithra Center.
Shahad Ameen’s Vision:
For Shahad Ameen, Hijra is the sum of her artistic practice, following the success of her 2019 debut Scales, which premiered at Venice. Ameen notes that Hijra was one of her most challenging works, composed in remote areas, but with messages that are universal.
Worldwide Recognition:
Hijra marks a very special and transformative occasion for Saudi cinema. According to Faisal Baltyour, CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, Hijra’s global recognition and honor made him proud, particularly due to its ability to communicate the culture of Saudi Arabia and resonate with audiences around the globe.
The selection of Hijra to Venice is not only a win for Saudi cinema; it is a huge milestone for Arab filmmakers. Hijra’s strong cultural narrative demonstrate the way Saudi cinema is changing, with a bright future on the world stage for it at hand.
