“Modern love – it’s a bit dark”: Anas Ba Tahaf and Sarah Taibah on A Matter of Life and Death at Red Sea International Film Festival 2025

Director Anas Ba Tahaf and actress Sarah Taibah presented their quirky romantic comedy with dark humour, A Matter of Life and Death, at the 2025 Red Sea International Film Festival. The Jeddah-set film tells a love story where a superstitious woman, convinced she’ll die at 30, and a heart surgeon with a hidden urge to kill, find their fates intertwined.

In their conversation with The Upcoming, Taibah discussed her strong creative partnership with Ba Tahaf and offered insights into the film’s unique portrayal of relationships, remarking, “Modern love – it’s a bit dark,” emphasising the movie’s messy yet transformative connections. Ba Tahaf, in turn, shared his deep personal investment in the film’s setting, explaining, “When you love somebody or a thing, you love to show it in its most beautiful and gorgeous aesthetic,” highlighting his dedication to portraying Jeddah. He also noted the overwhelming positive audience reception.

Laura Della Corte

A Matter of Life and Death does not have a release date yet.