Shot over more than 55 days in eight Saudi cities, the story unfolds against the backdrop of Hajj.
The cast and crew of the Saudi feature Hijra attended a special reception hosted by Film AlUla following the film’s premiere at the Venice Film Festival. Guests gathered at the St. Regis Venice after the screening to celebrate the project.
Director Shahad Ameen joined stars Khairia Nazmi and Lamar Faden at the event. The film tells the story of a grandmother, played by Nazmi, and her granddaughter, portrayed by Faden, who embark on a journey across northern Saudi Arabia in search of a missing teenage girl.
Hijra was filmed over 55 days across eight Saudi locations, including Taif, Jeddah, Madinah, Wadi Al-Faraa, AlUla, Tabuk, Neom and Duba, with the narrative unfolding during the Hajj season.
The Red Sea Film Foundation marked its return to the 82nd edition of Venice with a strong slate of films and initiatives aimed at supporting emerging voices from Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, Africa and Asia. Among the highlights is Hijra, alongside Lebanese director Cyril Aris’ A Sad and Beautiful World, developed with backing from the Red Sea Labs, Red Sea Fund and Red Sea Souk.
Venice Critics’ Week is also showcasing Roqia by Algerian filmmaker Yanis Koussim and Cotton Queen by Sudanese director Suzannah Mirghani, both presenting urgent perspectives on modern Arab identity. Completing the lineup is Damien Hauser’s Memory of Princess Mumbi.
