Saudi film ‘Hijra’ could make history as the kingdom’s first-ever Oscar winner

Saudi Arabia’s cinematic journey just hit a major milestone. Shahad Ameen’s poetic road movie Hijra — a quiet yet powerful tale of love, loss, and family secrets has officially been chosen as the Kingdom’s entry for the 98th Academy Awards (2026). And if it wins, it won’t just be a golden statue for a film, it’ll be a historic first for Saudi cinema.

Saudi cinema's rising star: Hijra lands Oscar nomination

Saudi Arabia’s Film Commission has officially announced that the critically acclaimed feature film, Hijra, will be the Kingdom's submission for the prestigious Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. This selection, made by a national committee of industry experts, marks a significant step, showcasing the nation's rising creative ambition in global cinema. The film is the second feature from director Shahad Ameen, who is celebrated for her distinctive poetic style.

Hijra reflects a deeply human exploration of identity, faith, and belonging, themes that are resonating with international audiences and film critics alike. The journey through the competitive Oscar race will now proceed from the Academy's preliminary list to the final shortlist, culminating in the awards ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles in March 2026.This marks Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious Oscar push yet an effort that shows just how far the nation’s film industry has come in only a few years.

The selection also aligns with the country’s larger vision to take local stories global, backed by growing film funds, festivals, and international collaborations. If Hijra makes it to the final nominee list or better, wins it would be the first-ever Oscar victory for Saudi Arabia, a country whose cinematic rise has been nothing short of remarkable.

Why is everyone talking about Hijra?

Hijra is a powerful road movie set in 2001 that centers on a perilous family journey across the vast Saudi landscape.

The story begins as the grandmother, Sitti, travels from the southern Kingdom to Mecca for a pilgrimage, accompanied by her two granddaughters.The story takes a tragic turn during the pilgrimage when one of the girls, Sarah, suddenly vanishes. Forced into an urgent search, Sitti and the younger granddaughter, Janna, begin a desperate desert crossing. This intense and emotional quest forces the pair to confront not only the dangers of the desert but also long-buried family secrets and the silent emotional distance that exists between generations of women.

Every mile of their journey adds a layer of depth to the narrative of loss and discovery.

What a win would mean for Saudi cinema

A win for Hijra wouldn’t just be a personal triumph for Shahad Ameen, it would be a turning point for Saudi cinema. It would put the Kingdom firmly on the global film map, giving a boost to its new generation of filmmakers, especially women breaking ground in storytelling.From having no cinemas just a few years ago to sending films to international festivals, Saudi Arabia’s cinematic journey itself feels like a film plot. And Hijra might just be its most beautiful chapter yet.

Hijra's other global stage presence

Before its Oscar submission,

Hijra

had already made its mark on the global festival circuit. The film was screened earlier this year in the Spotlight Competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, earning significant international acclaim.The film’s compelling cast includes Khairia Nathmy and Nawaf Al Dhafiri, alongside newcomer Lamar Fadan in the key role of Janna. The cast also features a special appearance by Baraa Alem.

To capture the epic scope of the journey, the production team shot across a remarkable nine different locations, including stunning, diverse landscapes like AlUla, Tabuk, NEOM, and Jeddah. The project brought together multiple production powerhouses, including Beit Ameen for Production, the Iraqi Independent Film Centre, and Ideation Studios, with critical support provided by key cultural institutions such as Film AlUla, NEOM, Ithra, and the Red Sea Film Festival Foundation.

This collaborative effort underscores the serious investment and ambition driving the new era of Saudi cinema.

The 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026)

The 98th Academy Awards, celebrating outstanding film achievements, are scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the traditional venue, the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. Comedian Conan O'Brien is slated to host the ceremony. For films like Saudi Arabia's submission,

'Hijra'

, the key milestone is the Oscars Shortlist Announcement on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, which precedes the final Nominations Announcement on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Viewers in the United States can watch the live telecast on ABC and typically stream it live via Hulu.