Shahad Ameen: Carthage Awards for “Hijra” Are a New Achievement for Saudi Cinema
By Ahmed Fawzy
Ahead of its upcoming release in cinemas, after a journey through many international and Arab festivals, the Saudi film “Hijra” won two awards at the closing ceremony of the 36th edition of the Carthage Film Days. These were the Best Cinematography Award for Director of Photography Miguel Loann Littin Menz, received on his behalf by the film’s producer Mohammed Al-Darraji, and the Best Actor Award for Nawaf Al-Dhufairi for his role as Ahmed in the film, which was received on his behalf by the film’s lead actress Khairia Nazmi, as he had to return to the Kingdom due to his commitment to filming another artistic work.
Producer Mohammed Al-Darraji said: “Winning two awards at Carthage is a very great source of pride for us, whether as Iraqis, Egyptians, or Saudis who contributed to presenting this work. This is the effort and vision of director Shahad Ameen, who was able to shape this vision and choose the visual angles for the film over three years, until the Kingdom appeared in this form, and her ability to convey her vision to the foreign cinematographer to deliver this wonderful image in ‘Hijra,’ which reached the large Tunisian audience. As well as the outstanding performances of the film’s actors, and what Shahad accomplished over four months in leading this team to achieve this global-level performance, including Khairia Nazmi, Lamar Faden, and Nawaf Al-Dhufairi in the role of (Ahmed), who won the Best Actor Award, which is a new achievement for Saudi cinema. As well as the joint production between a number of producers: Faisal Baltoor, Ayman Jamal, Mohammed Alawi, Mohammed Hefzy, Ali Al-Darraji, and Aboud Ayash. And for this work to reach the global stage.”
Director Shahad Ameen expressed her overwhelming happiness at the film winning these awards, saying: “I was delighted that ‘Hijra’ won the awards for Best Cinematography and Best Acting; this is the fruit of the hard work to create this image, which Miguel translated after being amazed by the unique geography of the location and the filming sites, and we were able to translate it into a wonderful dramatic image for a film that is a source of pride for me. As well as the wonderful performances of the actors, with whom I worked for four months in continuous preparations to reach this level, crowned by Nawaf Al-Dhufairi winning the Best Actor Award at Carthage, which is an achievement for Saudi cinema. Also, the joint collaboration with Mohammed Al-Darraji and Mohammed Hefzy to bring this film to a global level, in line with its win at the Venice Film Festival and its winning of two awards at the Red Sea International Film Festival, which is a source of pride for me. Finally, my participation in the Carthage Festival for the second time and winning two awards from it.”
Nawaf Al-Dhufairi also affirmed his overwhelming joy and gratitude to the management of the Carthage Film Days for awarding him the Best Actor Award for his role in the film, saying: “This award represents an achievement for the flourishing Saudi cinema. Cinema is a collective art par excellence, and this win is nothing but a culmination of the efforts of every individual from the wonderful crew, who sincerely contributed to bringing this work to light. Everything I have achieved in my artistic career is by the grace of God Almighty, then the prayers of my mother that always accompany me. And were it not for God and then the unlimited support of our patron and inspiration, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman—may God protect him—and his insightful vision to develop the cultural and cinematic sector, and then the appreciated efforts of His Highness Prince Badr bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Culture, embodied in the support of the Film Commission headed by Mr. Abdullah Al-Ayyaf, this achievement would not have seen the light of day. This honor is a source of pride for me as it represents the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and a motivation for more giving in the service of Arab cinema.”
The events of the film “Hijra” take place against the backdrop of the Hajj season, portraying the emotional journey of women that turns into a spiritual journey. The journey carries the weight of an entire heritage, as a grandmother and her two granddaughters travel from Taif to Mecca, and the elder granddaughter disappears, prompting the grandmother and the younger granddaughter to travel north in search of her, with their journey shedding light on cultural and generational bonds.
The film was shot in eight Saudi cities and is directed and written by Shahad Ameen, starring Khairia Nazmi, Lamar Faden, Nawaf Al-Dhufairi, Raghad Bukhari, Abdul Salam Al-Huwaiti, Lana Qomsani, Ghalia Ameen, and Baraa Aal. The crew includes Director of Photography Miguel Littin Menz, production designers Chris Richmond and Ali Saad, and composer Armand Amar. It is a co-production by Faisal Baltoor, Ayman Jamal, Mohammed Alawi, Mohammed Hefzy, Ali Al-Darraji, and Aboud Ayash, with support from the Saudi Film Commission, the Red Sea Fund, Film AlUla, NEOM, and Ithra.