Egyptian-Directed Film ‘Hajjan’ to Open Rotterdam Arab Film Festival

Egyptian director Abu Bakr Shawky’s film, ‘Hajjan’, will open the 24th edition of Rotterdam Arab Film Festival.

The Saudi film tells the story of a boy and his prized camel, and takes viewers on a journey through the deserts of the kingdom. Starring Abdulmohsen Alnemr, Omar Alatawi and Ibrahim Al-Hasawi, ‘Hajjan’ premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023. It has since earned nominations at numerous festivals including the Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Festival in December 2023.

‘Hajjan’ has also received nominations in six award categories at the Critics Award for Arab Films, which takes place on the sidelines of the Cannes Film Festival. This year’s Cannes Film Festival will take place from May 14th to the 25th. Shawky’s directorial debut, ‘Yomeddine’ (2018), premiered at the 71st edition of the Cannes Film Festival, and won the event’s François Chalais Prize.

The Rotterdam Arab Film Festival is dedicated to showcasing films from the MENA region, and so far will screen 14 feature length films from numerous countries in the MENA, including Lebanon, Tunisia and Egypt amongst others. Egypt’s submission to the festival is ‘Flight 404’ directed by Hani Khalifa.