Shahad Ameen on Her Ambitious Road Movie ‘Hijra’: ‘I Wanted to Present Saudi Arabia in a Very Different Way’

Saudi Filmmaker Shahad Ameen on Her Ambitious Road Movie 'Hijra': 'I Wanted to Present Saudi Arabia in a Very Different Way'

In the upcoming road movie "Hijra", filmmaker Shahad Ameen sets out to showcase the lesser-known side of Saudi Arabia, highlighting its diverse cultural landscape and breaking free from traditional stereotypes. Shot across various locations including Taif, Mecca, Alula, and Neom, the film follows the journey of a Saudi grandmother named Sitti as she travels with her two granddaughters Janna and Sarah on a pilgrimage to perform the sacred ritual of Hajj.

Ameen's vision for "Hijra" is rooted in her own experiences growing up as an immigrant from China to Saudi Arabia, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and cultural diversity. The film delves into the complex relationships between generations, weaving together stories of love, loss, and self-discovery set against the stunning backdrop of Saudi's diverse landscape.

When asked about the origins of her script, Ameen revealed that it began as a simple "missing girl" story before evolving into something more nuanced. Her collaborative approach with producers allowed the narrative to take shape, incorporating elements of immigration and cultural exchange. By focusing on the experiences of a grandmother and her two granddaughters, Ameen sought to humanize the complexities of Saudi society.

Casting played a crucial role in bringing this story to life. Lamar Faden's portrayal of Janna, the younger granddaughter, was particularly notable for its subtlety and depth. The young actress's natural ability to convey emotion without words added an authenticity to her character that resonated deeply with Ameen.

One of the film's most striking elements is its opening scene, which features a bus traveling through the desert. As the ice on the windshield is wiped away, Sarah, cloaked in a white abaya, comes into view, inviting the viewer to slowly enter the lives of these three women. This deliberate pacing serves to underscore the societal constraints faced by women in Saudi Arabia.

The choice of ice as a symbolic element may seem unconventional for Saudi Arabia, but Ameen's intention was to showcase the country's diversity and highlight the challenges faced by immigrants. By incorporating this mundane detail into the narrative, she aimed to subvert expectations and present a more nuanced understanding of Saudi culture.

Ultimately, "Hijra" serves as a testament to Ameen's ambition and dedication to showcasing the complexities of Saudi Arabia on the world stage. As she seeks to present her country in a new light, Ameen is not only breaking down stereotypes but also forging a unique cinematic voice that will resonate with audiences worldwide.

I'm telling ya, this film is like totally more than meets the eye . I mean, think about it, a road movie set across Saudi Arabia? That's already pretty deep. But then you add the grandma and granddaughters storyline, and it's like Ameen is trying to say something way more profound about identity and belonging. And what's with the ice on the windshield thingy? I'm not saying it's some kind of secret message or anything, but it seems kinda obvious that she's trying to subvert expectations and show a different side of Saudi culture. Like, maybe there's more to this film than just a heartwarming story about grandma and granddaughters .

I'm not sure I buy all this hype around Shahad Ameen's film "Hijra". Don't get me wrong, it sounds like an interesting story and the desert bus scene does grab my attention ...but is it really a game-changer? I mean, we've seen Saudi Arabia portrayed in many different ways over the years - some clichéd, others more nuanced. What makes this film so special? Is it just because it's a female filmmaker trying to shake things up? I need to see more than just "it's about cultural diversity" as an excuse for making a movie ...the trailer looks pretty, but can it deliver on substance?

I'm loving this film, it's so fresh and different from all the usual stereotypes we get about Saudi Arabia . The way Shahad Ameen has woven together these women's stories is just masterful - I mean, who knew a bus ride through the desert could be so powerful? The cast is amazing, especially Lamar Faden as Janna, she's got this quiet strength that really makes you feel for her character. And I love how Ameen has tackled the complexities of women's lives in Saudi Arabia - it's not always easy to talk about, but she's done a great job of bringing it out into the open.

What I think is really cool about "Hijra" is that it's not just a film about Saudi Arabia, it's also about identity and belonging. Ameen's own experiences as an immigrant from China to Saudi have clearly shaped this story, and it shows in the way she's able to bring different cultures together. The cinematography is stunning, too - I mean, who wouldn't want to see the desert landscapes of Taif and Mecca on the big screen?

Anyway, I'm definitely looking forward to seeing "Hijra" when it comes out! It sounds like a really important film that's going to make people think in new ways about Saudi culture.

I'm really intrigued by this film "Hijra" I mean, it's always cool to see someone from Saudi Arabia create content that showcases the country in a different way, you know? It's like they're saying, 'Hey, we're not just about oil and sand, we've got culture too!' But at the same time, I'm also aware of how hard it must be for Ameen to tackle these themes, especially with her own experiences as an immigrant. The film seems really nuanced, like it's trying to balance out all these different stories and emotions .

And oh man, Lamar Faden's performance is amazing she just gets this vibe going that makes you feel something without even saying a word. I love how the film starts off slow too, like it's giving you time to get into the world of Sitti and her granddaughters. The ice scene at the beginning is so simple, but it's such an effective way to introduce us to this whole new perspective .

I'm also glad Ameen isn't afraid to tackle some heavy stuff, like societal constraints on women in Saudi Arabia . It's not always easy to talk about these issues, but I think that's what makes "Hijra" so special - it's like they're bringing a new light to the conversation .

Anyway, I'm definitely looking forward to watching this film and seeing how it plays out on the big screen

I think what's really dope about this film "Hijra" is how it humanizes the complexities of Saudi society. We often see these big cultural differences in the news, but rarely do we get to see the personal stories behind them. Shahad Ameen's vision is so refreshing - she's not afraid to show the beauty and diversity of her homeland, while also acknowledging its challenges.

It's a reminder that identity is complex and multifaceted, and can't be reduced to simple stereotypes or expectations. As someone who's navigated their own identity as an immigrant, I think Ameen's story resonates deeply with people from all walks of life. Her film is like a big ol' hug for the world - it says 'Hey, we're more than just our differences, we're connected'.

omg i just watched the trailer for hijra and it looks so emotional i love how it's showing a different side of saudi arabia beyond all the stereotypes we see in movies and tv shows. the fact that it's about a grandma and her granddaughters is so cool, i think it's gonna be really heartwarming btw what's neom? is it like some new city or something

"Change is inevitable, so our goal is survival."

I'm really impressed by Shahad Ameen's vision for "Hijra". It's about time someone presents Saudi Arabia in a more nuanced and diverse light. The way she wove together stories of love, loss, and self-discovery set against the stunning backdrop of Saudi's diverse landscape is truly beautiful.

Ameen's decision to focus on the experiences of a grandmother and her two granddaughters was a great choice, as it allowed her to humanize the complexities of Saudi society. The cast, particularly Lamar Faden's portrayal of Janna, was spot on.

I love how Ameen subverted expectations by incorporating mundane details like ice on the windshield into the narrative. It's a clever way to showcase the challenges faced by immigrants in Saudi Arabia and present a more nuanced understanding of the country's culture.

Overall, "Hijra" is an ambitious film that showcases Ameen's dedication to telling unique stories that will resonate with audiences worldwide.

I'm lovin' this film, it's like, finally showin' the real Saudi Arabia on screen . I mean, we've all been there, stuck in these traditional stereotypes about Saudi culture and society, but Shahad Ameen is breakin' free from that and showin' us somethin' new and different. The way she wove together these stories of identity, belonging, and cultural diversity is like, totally inspiring .

And can we talk about the castin'? Lamar Faden's portrayal of Janna was like, wow, so subtle yet powerful . It's like, you don't even need words to convey emotion when it comes from someone as talented as her.

I also love how Ameen used this ice thingy in the opening scene , it's like, a simple detail that's meant to represent these societal constraints faced by women in Saudi Arabia. It's all about subvertin' expectations and presentin' a more nuanced understanding of the country. Can't wait to see what Ameen comes up with next!

I'm low-key impressed by this film's attempt to showcase Saudi Arabia in all its complexity . I mean, who wouldn't want to see the country beyond the usual holy sites and princes? It's about time someone tackled the nuances of cultural identity and belonging . The way the film weaves together stories of love, loss, and self-discovery is really beautiful . And I love how Ameen uses everyday moments to highlight the societal constraints faced by women in Saudi Arabia . The use of ice as a symbolic element is genius . It's like she's saying, "Hey, we're more than just one thing." Overall, I'm hyped for this film and think it's going to be a game-changer for Saudi cinema

I'm loving how this film is giving me a whole different perspective on Saudi Arabia ‍‍ I mean, we all know about the fancy mosques and gold mines, but what about the everyday people and their stories? Shahad Ameen's done an amazing job of humanizing Saudi society, especially when it comes to women's rights and cultural identity. The way she's woven together these complex relationships between generations is so relatable. But I gotta say, I'm a bit skeptical about the whole "ice as a symbol" thing . Is that really meant to represent something deeper? It feels like a bit of a stretch to me.

This film is so inspiring ! I love how it humanizes Saudi society by focusing on the personal stories of these incredible women. It's amazing to see someone like Shahad Ameen using her platform to challenge traditional stereotypes and present a more nuanced understanding of her country. The way she weaves together themes of identity, belonging, and cultural diversity is so masterful. I also appreciate how she subtly critiques societal constraints faced by women in Saudi Arabia - it's not preachy or heavy-handed at all. The cinematography looks stunning too , I can already imagine the breathtaking desert landscapes coming to life on screen. This film is definitely one to look out for, I'm so excited to see how it resonates with audiences worldwide!

I'm loving this film "Hijra"! It's so refreshing to see a Saudi story told from a different perspective . I think Shahad Ameen does an amazing job of showcasing the diversity and complexity of Saudi culture, without glossing over the challenges faced by women and immigrants. The way she weaves together themes of identity, belonging, and cultural exchange is really powerful . And that opening scene? Chilling . I love how it slowly reveals the lives of these three women, highlighting the societal constraints they face in Saudi Arabia. It's not an easy story to tell, but Ameen tackles it with such sensitivity and nuance . Can't wait to see more films like this from her

I think its cool how Shahad Ameen is trying to show off a different side of Saudi Arabia, you know? Its not all about the traditional stuff like the mosque and whatnot. I mean, I've always been curious about this country and its people, but I never really got to see much beyond the tourist traps. This film seems like a great way to get some insight into the everyday lives of Saudis. And I love how Ameen is drawing from her own experiences as an immigrant - it adds a layer of authenticity that's hard to fake.

I love how this film aims to humanize Saudi society by focusing on the personal stories of its women . I think it's really cool that Shahad Ameen used her own experiences as an immigrant to create something so authentic and relatable. The way she wove together themes of identity, belonging, and cultural diversity is just so well done . And I have to say, I was a bit surprised by how nuanced the portrayal of women in Saudi Arabia was - it's not often that you see such a thoughtful exploration of societal constraints . The film's pacing is also super deliberate, which really adds to the emotional impact . I'm excited to see more films like this one that challenge our preconceptions and showcase the complexity of different cultures .

I gotta say, this film "Hijra" is gonna be so good! I mean, who would've thought to make a road movie about a pilgrimage to Hajj? It's like, totally different from the usual stuff we see on Netflix . Shahad Ameen, the filmmaker, she's got heart and she's not afraid to show us the real Saudi Arabia - all its beauty and complexity . I love how she's incorporating these everyday moments, like wiping away ice from the windshield, to make a point about societal constraints. It's so thoughtful and nuanced . And that actress Lamar Faden, she's a talent! Casting her as Janna was pure genius . Can't wait to see this film on the big screen, it's gonna be epic!

I think its so cool how Shahad Ameen is using her film 'Hijra' to showcase the lesser-known side of Saudi Arabia She's doing an amazing job of highlighting the diversity and cultural richness of the country, which is so often misunderstood or stereotyped in media I love that she's drawing from her own experiences as an immigrant to create a more nuanced story about identity, belonging, and cultural exchange The way she's woven together stories of love, loss, and self-discovery against the stunning backdrop of Saudi's diverse landscape is just breathtaking And I'm totally loving the casting choices - Lamar Faden shines in her role as Janna!

"Love how this film humanizes Saudi culture it's about time we see more nuanced stories like this, not just the usual stereotypes."

I think its dope how this film 'Hijra' is tryin to show people that Saudi Arabia ain't just about the oil and the desert, you feel? It's like, there's so much more to it than that. I'm lovin how the filmmaker Shahad Ameen is tryin to humanize the country by focusin on the story of this grandma and her granddaughters. It's like, they're not just stereotypical characters, but real people with their own struggles and emotions. And I love how she's incorporated all these subtle details that show the complexities of Saudi society, like the ice on the windshield, it's like, a small thing but it's sayin somethin deep.

can you believe we're finally getting to see some real representation of saudi arabia on screen? i mean, it's been so one-dimensional all these years... and shahad ameen's film 'hijra' is giving me life . she's tackling so many complex themes like identity, belonging, and cultural diversity, and just showing us the beauty in our differences. the way she weaves together stories of love, loss, and self-discovery is just masterful . and let's talk about that casting choice for lamar faden as janna... it was so nuanced and authentic . i love how she's not shying away from the tough issues, like societal constraints faced by women in saudi arabia... it's so needed