Saudi ‘Hijra’ to Compete at 82nd Venice Festival as Film Commission Showcases Industry Insights

The Film Commission will participate in the 82nd Venice International Film Festival with the official selection of the Saudi film Hijra in the “Venice Spotlight Competition”. Written and directed by Shahad Ameen, Hijra is supported by the commission’s “Daw” Film Support Program and highlights the growing presence of Saudi narratives on the international stage.

 This reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to sharing its cultural identity with the world and supporting emerging creative talent on the global stage.

 Film Commission CEO Abdullah Al-Qahtani said: “Our participation at the Venice International Film Festival reflects the remarkable progress of Saudi cinema and the dedication of our filmmakers. Through initiatives like the Daw Program, we are enabling a new generation of Saudi storytellers to share authentic narratives with global audiences. We are honored to represent the Kingdom at this prestigious event and look forward to building new partnerships and opportunities for Saudi talent.”

 During the festival, the commission will host a roundtable, ‘Young Audiences and Cinemas’, to explore strategies for engaging younger generations with cinema through local and global case studies. The commission will also present a panel, ‘Making Cinematic Success’, featuring Saudi filmmakers who are crafting original narratives inspired by local culture and connecting with global audiences.

 Within the same venue, there will be special screenings of nine Saudi short films. Through these screenings, the commission aims to showcase the diversity of national creative talent and storytelling perspectives.

 The Daw Program continues to empower a new generation of Saudi filmmakers to access international platforms and achieve critical acclaim. The Film Commission’s presence at Venice aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and reinforces the Kingdom’s growing influence in the global film industry.