Saudi Arabia just made its pick for the 98th Academy Awards — and it’s a powerful one. The Saudi Film Commission announced that Shahad Ameen’s new film, Hijra, will represent the Kingdom in the Best International Feature Film category. The choice feels fitting — Ameen has become one of the most exciting voices in Saudi cinema, known for exploring womanhood, identity, and freedom in fresh, emotional ways.
A Journey of Faith, Freedom, and Family
Hijra follows 12-year-old Janna, who sets off for Mecca with her grandmother Sitti and older sister Sarah to perform Hajj. But what starts as a spiritual trip quickly turns into something much deeper when Sarah goes missing. As Janna and Sitti search across Saudi Arabia, old secrets begin to surface, forcing the family to face the past — and themselves.
Ameen describes the movie as an exploration of “the quiet revolutions of women in motion,” asking what freedom really means to different generations of women in Saudi Arabia.
From Venice Spotlight to Global Stage
The film had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival this September and walked away with the NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film — a big win for Saudi cinema. It was shot across eight cities, from Taif and Jeddah to AlUla and Neom, over 55 days, giving the story a breathtaking sense of place that mirrors its emotional depth.
Shahad Ameen’s Cinematic Evolution
If Ameen’s name sounds familiar, it’s because she also directed Scales (2019) — Saudi Arabia’s 2021 Oscars submission. That film used myth and fantasy to tell a story about women defying expectations. Hijra, she says, takes things in a more personal direction:
With Hijra, Saudi Arabia isn’t just submitting a film — it’s sharing a story that feels deeply human and proudly local. It’s about women, family, and the freedom to find your own path — themes that resonate far beyond borders.
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