Hajjan, a Saudi film that celebrates the art and tradition of camel racing

With the recent and noticeable growth in the Saudi film industry, this move has only assured the world that the industry is beginning to truly thrive.

Directed by Egyptian Austrian writer-director Abu Bakr Shawky and produced by Majed Samman, Actor, producer, filmmaker, and Head of Performing Arts & Cinema Ithra, alongside Egyptian film producer and screenwriter Mohammed Hefzy, Hajjan (camel jockey), is a true masterpiece.

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With big acting names such as Abdulmohsen AlNemer and Ibrahim AlHasawi, the movie stars Matar, (Omar Al Atawi), a young boy born into a Saudi family of camel jockeys. Filmed in Tabuk, Hajjan is a touching tale of the strong friendship and bond that may form between a human and a camel.

After his father’s death, Matar remains with his older brother, Ghanim, a camel jockey. Even though it is an adventure film, there always seems to be a villain in the story.

Jasser, a greedy and unjust racing tycoon, ends up killing Ghanim during a race. Matar, wanting to avenge his brother’s death, decides to take up racing with his camel Hofira, becoming a jockey. Surprisingly at a very young age, he succeeds with his first race, raising concerns for Jasser.

The 2-hour film goes on with dramatic, thrilling, and unpredicted turns, making viewers very attached to Matar and Hofira, anxiously anticipating their triumph.

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With an exceptional storyline, fascinating visuals, and an emotional rollercoaster, the film showcases what it’s like to be a camel jockey, signalling the essential bond between Saudis and camels, as camels are deeply rooted within Saudi Arabia’s culture and heritage, acting as companions.

Consequently, aligning with The Year of the Camel, Bedouins in Saudi have relied on camels for generations. Their ability to endure the hostile desert climate and their capacity for long-distance travel with heavy lifting make them extremely valuable.

Furthermore, camel milk is well-known for its high nutritional content and plays a significant role in the traditional diet. Camels have cultural importance and are frequently honoured in customary celebrations and festivities. They have endured as a symbol of Saudi Arabian heritage and culture because of their flexibility and persistence.

And, this film truly embraces and illustates this traditional and authentic inter-dependent relationship between Saudi locals and camels.

The film has received international recognition and wide-ranging acclaim following its selection as one of the few creations to be previewed at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival.

Following this world exclusive premiere of the incredible Saudi production, the film was then screened domestically during the much-revered Red Sea Film Festival in November of last year.

Further to these internationally acclaimed premieres, the film then was selected for a number of private screenings throughout various cities in the Kingdom, and now it will be available to the public for the first time. Film buffs hoping to view Hajjan will welcome the public debut of the film this week in cinemas across the Kingdom.

Available in cinemas across Saudi from January 18, 2024
Book tickets here
@ithra