Saudi Road Movie "Hijra" Chosen as Oscar Contender

Saudi filmmaker Shahad Ameen's road movie "Hijra" has been chosen as Saudi Arabia's candidate for the 2025 Academy Awards in the international feature film category. This marks Ameen's second Oscar entry, after her 2020 feminist fable "Scales" represented the country.

"Hijra" centers on 12-year-old Janna, who embarks on a journey toward Mecca to perform the Hajj pilgrimage with her strict grandmother Sitti and rebellious 18-year-old sister Sarah. However, before they reach their destination, Sarah disappears, forcing Janna and Sitti into a tense and urgent search.

Filmed in the vast Saudi desert and several cities, including Jeddah, Medina, AlUla, and Neom, "Hijra" premiered positively at the Venice Film Festival's Spotlight section in September. The all-Saudi cast features newcomer Lamar Fadan in the lead role of Janna, alongside Khairia Nathmy as Sitti and Baraa Alem in a special guest appearance.

"Representing my country at the Oscars for a second time is a profound honor and a reflection of the positive transformation in Saudi cinema," said director Ameen. "Hijra was one of the most challenging projects of my career, as we filmed in remote regions to capture the urgency of this story of Saudi women across generations."