What is Shahad Ameen's film 'Hijra' about?

'Hijra' is a Saudi road movie about a grandmother and granddaughters traveling to perform Hajj, exploring themes of immigration and Saudi Arabia's diverse cultural landscape.

Where was the Saudi film 'Hijra' filmed?

The film 'Hijra' was shot in a vast desert area and several Saudi cities, including Jeddah, Medina, AlUla, and Neom.

What unique aspect of Saudi Arabia does 'Hijra' highlight?

'Hijra' highlights Saudi Arabia as a multicultural melting pot and showcases its diverse landscapes, including mountainous regions with unexpected elements like ice.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Saudi Film 'Hijra' Reveals Hidden Ice and Melting Pot

Saudi Film 'Hijra' Reveals Hidden Ice and Melting Pot

7 Dec

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Summary

'Hijra' showcases Saudi Arabia as a diverse melting pot.
The film features stunning visuals of remote desert landscapes.
Director Shahad Ameen's family has Chinese immigrant roots.

Saudi Film 'Hijra' Reveals Hidden Ice and Melting Pot

Saudi filmmaker Shahad Ameen's latest feature, "Hijra," challenges perceptions by showcasing the country as a vibrant melting pot of cultures. The road movie, set in 2001, chronicles a multi-generational journey towards performing the sacred Hajj ritual, revealing lesser-known aspects of Saudi Arabia's diverse landscape and population.

Ameen drew inspiration from her own family's immigrant history, weaving a narrative that explores themes of immigration and a young girl's desire for a different life. The film's visual language, including surprising elements like ice on desert windshields, is deliberately used to highlight the country's varied terrains and diverse communities.

"Hijra" represents Saudi Arabia's official submission for the Academy Awards and competes at the Red Sea Film Festival. Through its stunning cinematography and intimate storytelling, the film aims to present Saudi Arabia in a profoundly different and multifaceted manner, moving beyond common stereotypes.