The film is a co-production between Ithra and Film Clinic.
The Malmö Arab Film Festival has announced that the Saudi film Hajjan has been selected as the closing film for its 14th edition, scheduled to take place from April 22 to 28.
Hajjan is a Saudi-Egyptian-Jordanian co-production from 2023, directed and written by Egyptian filmmaker Abu Bakr Shawky. It stars child actor Omar Al-Atawi in his debut role, alongside Azam Nemr, Toleen Barbood, Abdulmohsen Alnemr, Shaimaa Al Tayeb, Ibrahim Alhasawi, and Mohamed Hilal.
Having premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, Hajjan will make its Nordic premiere at the Malmö Festival. Produced by Mohamed Hefzy and Majed Z. Samman, co-produced by Rula Nasser, and with production services in Saudi Arabia provided by Yellow Camel, the film is distributed by Film Clinic-Indie Distribution in the Arab world. International distribution is overseen by Film Constellation.
Hajjan narrates the story of brothers Matar and Ghanim, inhabitants of the vast Saudi Arabian desert. Faced with tragedy, young Matar delves into camel racing to protect his camel, Hofira. Employed by the ruthless owner Jasser, Matar must go to great lengths to fight for Hofira’s life in this timeless coming-of-age drama.
Head of Performing Arts and Cinema at Ithra Majed Z. Samman said: “We are pleased that (Hajjan) was chosen to be the closing film of the 14th Malmö Arab Film Festival, which is a festival of great interest to Arab filmmakers. Our mission at Ithra is to support the emergence of the Kingdom’s fast-growing film industry by nurturing local talent and promoting the creation of original cinematic content that shines the light on Saudi culture. Hajjan is a wonderful example as it illuminates the Kingdom’s deep cultural heritage linked to camels and the desert.”
Director Abu Bakr Shawky shared his excitement about showcasing Hajjan at the Malmö festival, highlighting the film’s significance in exploring Saudi culture and heritage.
Mouhamad Kablawi, Management, and Artistic Consultant, emphasised the importance of featuring a Saudi film as the festival’s closing film, citing its role in showcasing the evolution and diversity of Saudi cinema and fostering cultural exchange.
Produced by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture “Ithra” and Egyptian producer Mohamed Hefzy, the film underscores Ithra’s significant role in developing Saudi cinema.
