Saudi writer-director Shahad Ameen returns to the Venice Film Festival with “Hijra,” which has its world premiere in the Spotlight section. Her debut “Scales” also premiered in Venice and then went on to win more than 15 international awards and represented her country in the Oscar race. Variety debuts the trailer for “Hijra” here.
Ameen said it was a very challenging film to make. “We filmed in remote cities and regions, but we deeply believed in the importance of telling this story, a tale of Saudi women from different generations, set within a rich human and historical context,” she said.
The film centers on 12-year-old Janna, who embarks on a journey toward Mecca to preform Hajj with her strict grandmother Sitti and rebellious 18-year-old sister Sarah. But before they reach their destination, Sarah disappears—forcing Janna and Sitti into a tense and urgent search.
Afraid of Sarah’s father discovering the truth, Sitti and Janna push themselves to the limit, determined to uncover why Sarah vanished. Their journey stretches from the south of Saudi Arabia to its northern borders, crossing old pilgrimage routes and confronting strangers, unforgiving landscapes, and long-buried family secrets.
As they grow closer, Janna begins to uncover stories from Sitti’s rich and complicated past. The search for Sarah reveals deep intergenerational rifts between the women in their family. And as their harsh journey begins to mirror the spiritual trials of Hajj itself, Janna and Sitti may find something even more powerful than reconciliation—redemption.
The film stars Khairia Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhafiri, Lamar Fadan and Baraa Alem.
It is produced by Mohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji at the Iraqi Independent Film Center, Beit Ameen For Production, and Ideation Studios’ Faisal Baltyor.
The co-producers are Ayman Jamal, Mohammed Alawi, Film Clinic’s Mohamed Hefzy, Humanfilm’s Ali Al-Darraji, Three Arts’ Abboud Ayash, Red Sea Fund and Film Alula.
The international sales are managed by the Iraqi Independent Film Center.
