RIYADH: Saudi filmmaker Shahad Ameen’s feature film “Hijra” (Migration) will compete in the Venice Spotlight Competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Backed by the Film Commission’s Daw program, the selection is Saudi Arabia’s latest bid for global recognition after Ameen’s award-winning debut “Scales” premiered at the same festival in 2019.

The film follows a grandmother, Khairiya Nazmi, and her granddaughter, Lamar Feddan, as they journey across northern Saudi Arabia to find a missing teenage girl.

Shot over more than 55 days in eight Saudi cities – Taif, Jeddah, Madinah, Wadi Al-Faraa, AlUla, Tabuk, NEOM, and Duba – the story unfolds against the backdrop of Hajj.

Ameen’s narrative explores Saudi Arabia’s historical role as a crossroads for Muslim communities, weaving themes of migration and intergenerational resilience.

Film Commission CEO Abdullah Al-Qahtani said: “Our participation in the Venice International Film Festival reflects the remarkable progress of Saudi cinema and the dedication of our filmmakers.

“Through initiatives like the Daw program, we empower a new generation of Saudi storytellers to share authentic narratives with global audiences. We are honored to represent the Kingdom at this prestigious event and look forward to building new partnerships and opportunities for Saudi talent.”

He noted that the Daw initiative has supported more than 250 regional films since its launch, aligning with Vision 2030’s goal of positioning Saudi cinema on the global stage.

During the festival, the commission will host a roundtable, “Young Audiences and Cinemas,” to explore strategies for engaging younger generations through local and global case studies.

It will also present a panel, “Making Cinematic Success,” featuring Saudi filmmakers crafting original narratives inspired by local culture and connecting with global audiences.

At the same venue, nine Saudi short films will be screened, showing the diversity of national creative talent and storytelling.

BEIRUT: “For a restaurant to last 28 years in Lebanon — it’s heroic,” chef Mario Haddad told Arab News recently as he reflected on the industry in a city and country facing several challenges.

Haddad believes he is among those redefining the fine dining scene, as Beirut undergoes a nascent revival.

His restaurant, Le Sushi Bar, stands like a sleek, elegant trophy in the heart of downtown.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Lebtivity.com (@lebtivity)

With the arrival of decorated Japanese chef-in-residence Sayaka Sawaguchi this summer, he believes the restaurant is helping to place Lebanon’s fine dining back on the global stage.

“We decided to have a chef-in-residence because we wanted to celebrate Lebanon coming back to life,” Haddad declared.

For Sawaguchi, integrating into Lebanon — a country shaped by resilience and a distinct warmth — came naturally.

She spent weeks before the residence — between July 9 and 27 — traveling across the country, immersing herself in the intricacies of the country.

“Lebanon taught me the beautiful balance of spices, herbs, and olive oil — just like how Lebanese people live their life every day,” Sawaguchi said.

Despite coming from vastly different worlds, Haddad and Sawaguchi found common ground in their passion for food.

“She fits in like a glove ... It’s not easy not having your tools, your kitchen, your ingredients — but her attitude was spot on,” Haddad said.

“The art of feeding each other is definitely our shared passion,” Sawaguchi added.

Haddad has an eye for detail, which appears to be a key element of his restaurant’s success.

Watching him in his element — surveying each dish as it reaches the table, greeting every guest like family, and taking joy  in their delight — it becomes clear why Le Sushi Bar has endured through the storm.