Saudi Arabia has selected Hijra, a feature film by director Shahad Ameen, to represent the Kingdom in the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. The film, Ameen’s second feature, was chosen by a national committee of filmmakers and industry experts following a formal review process, in line with the Academy’s selection standards.
A Poetic Road Movie
Hijra tells the story of a grandmother, Sitti, who embarks on a journey across Saudi Arabia with her two granddaughters. Their mission: to find the youngest, Janna, after the older granddaughter, Sarah, mysteriously vanishes during a pilgrimage to Mecca. The film, set in 2001, explores themes of faith, identity, and generational divides.
As Sitti and Janna traverse the desert in search of Sarah, the journey uncovers long-buried family secrets. The film is described as a “poetic road movie,” highlighting the emotional complexities between the characters and the challenges they face. The narrative not only explores the physical journey across the desert but also the deeper emotional and familial struggles that unfold along the way.
A Growing Saudi Cinematic Presence
Shot across nine locations, including AlUla, Tabuk, NEOM, and Jeddah, Hijra showcases the diverse landscapes of Saudi Arabia. It stars Khairia Nathmy, Nawaf Al Dhafiri, and newcomer Lamar Fadan as Janna, with a special appearance by Baraa Alem. The production brought together Beit Ameen for Production, the Iraqi Independent Film Centre, and Ideation Studios, with backing from Film AlUla, NEOM, Ithra, and the Red Sea Film Festival Foundation.
Hijra‘s selection signals the increasing confidence and ambition of Saudi cinema. The film, which was also screened in the Spotlight Competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival earlier this year, offers a deeply human portrayal of themes such as identity, faith, and belonging. Saudi Arabia’s growing presence in the global film industry is underscored by this nomination, marking a significant step forward in the country’s cinematic journey.
Oscar Race Continues
The Oscar race for Hijra will continue through multiple stages, from the academy’s preliminary list to its final shortlist, with the winner to be announced at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles in March 2026. This nomination highlights Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its footprint in the global film industry, adding to the momentum of the country’s expanding cultural influence.
As Saudi Arabia continues to make its mark in cinema, Hijra serves as a testament to the evolving landscape of Arab storytelling on the world stage.
