Saudi Filmmaker Shahad Ameen Takes Audiences on a Cinematic Journey with “Hijra”
Dubai: The talented Saudi filmmaker, Shahad Ameen, is currently in the production phase of her latest film, “Hijra,” promising viewers an unforgettable cinematic experience. The film is set to be edited in Paris following the completion of filming in May.
This marks Ameen’s second movie after her successful debut feature film, “Scales,” which garnered international acclaim and premiered at the 76th Venice Film Festival, where it received the prestigious Verona Film Club Award. “Scales” was also submitted by the Kingdom for consideration in the Best International Feature Film category at the 93rd Academy Awards.
Filming for “Hijra” began in March and is scheduled to conclude on May 24, as per a recent statement released by the production team.
A captivating photo captured on the set of ‘Hijra.’ (Supplied/ Ziyad Alzayer)
The film’s shooting locations span across eight cities in the Kingdom, including Taif, Jeddah, Madinah, Wadi Al-Faraa, AlUla, Tabuk, NEOM, and Duba.
“Hijra” follows the captivating journey of a grandmother and her two granddaughters from Taif to Makkah. When the eldest granddaughter mysteriously disappears, they set out on a quest to the northern regions of the Kingdom.
The film features talented Saudi actors Khairiya Nazmi, Nawaf Al-Dhufairi, and Lamar Feddan in leading roles.
Upon completion of filming, the editing process will be overseen by the renowned Hervé de Luz in Paris, known for his exceptional work on films such as “Jacques,” “Ghost Writer,” and “The Pianist.”
The film’s crew also includes acclaimed Chilean cinematographer Miguel Littin Menz and British set designer Chris Richmond.
In a recent statement, Ameen expressed, “’Hijra’ is one of the most challenging films I have worked on, and we are only halfway through. Filming in eight different cities and remote areas has presented its own set of obstacles, but the team and I firmly believe in the significance of this story, highlighting the struggles faced by Saudi women from different generations.
“All within the framework of a road film that showcases the cultural and historical richness of the Kingdom, emphasizing that Saudi Arabia has always been a sanctuary for those seeking refuge in this sacred land,” she added.
For “Hijra,” Ameen has joined forces with Iraqi filmmaker Mohamed Al-Daradji, Biet Ameen Production, the Iraqi Independent Film Center, Ideation Studio by Saudi producer Faisal Baltyuor, veteran Egyptian Mohamed Hefzy, Abboud Ayyash, Sayed Abou Haidar, the Red Sea Fund, and Film AlUla for the film’s production.
Hefzy commented, “Having previously collaborated with Shahad on ‘Scales,’ we are confident that she is embarking on something truly special and ambitious with ‘Hijra.’ We are incredibly proud and excited to continue this journey with her and the dedicated production team.”
The film has also received generous support from the Daw Initiative Saudi Film Commission, Ithra, and NEOM.