The 11th edition of the Saudi Film Festival, running from April 17 to 23 at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), brings a powerful collection of films from the MENA region. With the theme “Cinema of Identity,” the festival explores how films shape and reflect individual, national, and cultural identities.
This year’s lineup offers a stunning range of voices, tackling everything from personal journeys to social dynamics. Let’s take a closer look at standout films that will be featured and how they resonate with the festival’s theme!
Hobal: Fear, Family, and Isolation in the Desert
Hobal, directed by Abdulaziz Alshlahei, follows a Bedouin family facing crisis in 1990, as they struggle with a measles outbreak that forces them to confront their traditions.
Liyam, the patriarch, resists modernity and refuses medical help from the city, but his family’s growing isolation and the looming Gulf War push him to rethink his stance.
The film explores generational and cultural divides, using powerful imagery to depict the tension between old traditions and the inevitable changes of the future. Because of that, Hobal is a commentary on identity and the clash of values.
My Driver & I: A Bond Across Borders
Ahd Kamel’s My Driver & I is a nostalgic coming-of-age story set in the 1980s and ’90s in Jeddah, centered around Salma, a spirited girl, and her relationship with Gamar, the Sudanese driver hired by her family.
Gamar becomes her mentor and confidant, teaching her lessons that go beyond driving. As Salma grows, their bond deepens, but cultural restrictions and family expectations challenge their connection.
Kamel’s personal homage to Gamar, the man who shaped her life, explores themes of trust, independence, and generational differences in a changing Saudi society.
Siwar: A Tale of Cultural Crossroads and Identity
Siwar, directed by Osama Alkhurayji, tells the story of two families—one Turkish, one Saudi—whose lives intersect after their sons are swapped at birth. Set in AlUla and Istanbul, the film explores themes of identity, cultural contrasts, and adaptation.
Alkhurayji, drawing from a real-life incident, delves into the differences between the conservative cultures of Najran and Antakya, particularly through the eyes of the children. Filmed with authenticity, Siwar offers a poignant reflection on how both biology and environment shape identity.
Malika: Magic, Heritage, and Female Power
Malika, by Maram Taibah, is a short film that tells the story of a young Saudi girl on a quest to retrieve her grandmother’s lost crown. Along the way, she discovers the power of heritage and what it truly means to be a queen.
The film combines magical realism with cultural pride, using folklore to explore themes of empowerment and identity. As the girl uncovers the deeper meaning of her inheritance, Malika highlights how women in the Arab world are reclaiming their voices and roles in society. It’s a journey of personal growth rooted in both tradition and transformation.
Mera, Mera, Mera—The Mystery of Memory and Belonging
In Mera, Mera, Mera, Khaled Zidan tells a story of loss, memory, and rediscovery. Saeed is a man who suddenly loses his ability to speak after his neighborhood is demolished. The only word he can say is Mera. So, he embarks on a journey that unravels a hidden truth about his past.
The film touches on the loss of place and identity and how these ties shape who we are. As Saeed struggles to remember his past, Mera, Mera, Mera reflects on how fragile our sense of self can be when memory and home are taken away.
The film’s introspective tone offers a poignant exploration of the complex relationship between personal identity and belonging.
Identity on Screen
These films highlight the festival’s central theme by showing how identity, whether individual, national, or cultural, can be both a personal journey and a collective experience. From the Bedouin family’s isolation in Hobal to the powerful, magical heritage in Malika, each film provides a unique lens on how we navigate the complexities of our world.
By celebrating these diverse voices, the 11th Edition of the Saudi Film Festival proves that film is a powerful tool for exploring the multifaceted nature of identity, one story at a time!
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