“It’s really complicated. It’s really hard if you put yourself in his shoes”: Nawaf Al Dhufairi, Raghad Bokhari and Lana Komsany on Hijra at Red Sea International Film Festival 2025

Actor Nawaf Al Dhufairi spoke with The Upcoming at the Red Sea Film Festival about his role in Hijra. The film follows a grandmother and her two granddaughters on a journey from Taif to Mecca, which turns into a spiritual quest, highlighting the deep cultural and generational bonds between Saudi women. Al Dhufairi portrays Ahmed, whose precarious non-citizen status brings warmth to the story while exploring themes of identity and immigration. He powerfully conveyed his character’s struggle, admitting, “It’s really complicated. It’s really hard if you put yourself in his shoes,” reflecting the deep empathy he developed for Ahmed’s unique predicament. Al Dhufairi also praised director Shahad’s dedication and the collaborative process with the cast, emphasising their deep commitment to the script.

Raghad Bokhari then shared her experience portraying Sara in Hijra, speaking at the Red Sea Film Festival 2025. Bokhari explained her distinctive approach to the script, concentrating on her character’s perspective before reading the full story. She described the emotional impact of uncovering Sara’s journey and the importance of collaborating with director Shahad Ameen. Bokhari emphasised the film’s examination of intergenerational relationships among women and reflected on the challenges and rewards of filming in various Saudi locations. She hopes audiences will empathise with the struggles of different generations and recognise the universality of their experiences.

We also heard from Lana Komsany on the film’s exploration of generational struggles, focusing on the evolving relationship between Siti and Jenna, and the wider spectrum of women in one family. She reflected on the challenge of portraying Iman, a character very different from herself, and described how filming across Saudi Arabia revealed new places in her own country. Komsany expressed her hope that audiences, particularly younger generations, will connect with the story’s emotional depth and develop a greater understanding of Saudi experiences.

Laura Della Corte

Hijra does not have a release date yet.