Hajjan

In Saudi Arabia, there is a culture of camel racing, and "hajjan" is a camel-racing jockey. Matar is a teen boy from a line of camel racers. When his older brother gets knocked off his camel in a race and dies, Matar is supposed to join his nearest relative, his uncle, in the city, and his beloved camel Hofira sold for meat. Matar successfully pleads to be able to race his camel at least once, but his success meant that Hofira is instead sold to the local camel-racing baron, and Matar is allowed to go along.

There, he finds an owner who is obsessed with the immortality of winning the Great Race. His local tactics include having "support" camels, whose riders interfere with potential challengers in the race, a tactic he could not apply to the Great Race, until Matar qualifies Hofira as a second camel.

An interesting slice of the camel racing culture was the support cars. Not only does the play-by-play announcer drive around the outside of the track in a car following the action, various coaches / trainers are racing along, calling in instructions by pocket radio. Another is how male-dominated the culture is. The only women in the film were the owner's wife and step-daughter.

I saw this at the world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, where the director considered this to be a "western" - someone coming into town and cleaning it up, though in this case the cleaner was a young man, who was cast partly because he "looked innocent". Matar is buffeted by various interpretations of what it means to be a "real man", and it is the path he takes that leads to the "cleanup" ending, not some form of gunslinging. The film also reflected the myths and legends passed on, where oral history has everyone having a grandfather who was a great hajjan. Interestingly, despite the years posted on the wall of victors, the director kept time-marking artifacts (like cell phones) to a minimum, trying to create a somewhat timeless story.

"Hajjan" is a captivating film that delves deep into the world of camel racing, an integral part of Saudi Arabian culture. Directed by the talented Haifaa Al-Mansour, this movie provides a touching narrative about ambition, tradition, and the bond between humans and animals.

The story revolves around a young protagonist, Youssef, who dreams of becoming a champion camel racer. Guided by his wise grandfather and driven by a deep connection with his camel, Sindbad, Youssef faces numerous challenges as he navigates the highly competitive and traditional sport.

The film beautifully captures the breathtaking Arabian desert landscapes, making every scene a visual treat. The cinematography is remarkable, highlighting the raw beauty of the dunes and the majestic presence of camels.

Performances are strong, particularly from the young lead, whose portrayal of Youssef is both heartfelt and convincing. The supporting cast, including seasoned actors playing family members and rivals, add depth to the narrative, making the characters relatable and the storyline engaging.

One of the standout elements of "Hajjan" is its exploration of the cultural significance of camel racing in Saudi society. The film doesn't shy away from addressing the modern challenges facing this ancient sport, including the clash between tradition and progress.

Overall, "Hajjan" is an inspiring and insightful film that offers a glimpse into a lesser-known aspect of Saudi heritage. It's a compelling watch for anyone interested in sports dramas, cultural narratives, or simply a well-told story.

I would like to applause the director and cinematographer for both of their visions. I was immensely captured by the way this movie is shot, very aesthetic pleasing for a very poetic story. Being a Saudi myself, I understand the popularity of the sport that the story centres around, yet, I'm very glad that the movie tackles the emotions that results from that sport. An individualistic and emotional exploration of a very common sport in the country, if you may. Also, PERFECT casting.

I would say the only reason the rating is one star away from 10 stars is because of the 'writing' part that I think needs an expanding; this movie NEEDS a "training montage" where the protagonist learns how to race, along side good and fitting music. I know this formula is common and predictable but I think it is important to implement in this movie. Nevertheless, excellent picture I highly recommend watching.

It was so unexpected, but after watching this movie, I say, "YES"!

"Hajjan" / "Sea of Sands" is a Saudi film that captivates unsuspecting audiences with its inspiring narrative, beautiful cinematography, and exceptional direction. This cinematic masterpiece takes viewers on a journey through the vast landscapes of Saudi Arabia, blending breathtaking visuals and music with a compelling story that leaves a lasting impact.

The film's cinematography is stunning, with each frame carefully composed to showcase the beauty of the desert and its many hidden treasures. From sweeping sand dunes to enchanting oasis scenes, the cinematographers skillfully capture the magic of the Saudi landscape, providing a visually enchanting backdrop to the unfolding story.

Shawky demonstrates a keen understanding of Saudi storytelling, seamlessly weaving together elements of this still misunderstood culture, its traditions, and the onset of its new modernity. The film's impeccable pacing allows the audience to immerse themselves in the characters' touching experiences. The director's vision is evident in every scene, creating a harmonious balance between the visual aesthetics and the emotional depth of the narrative.

The screenplay, while simple, is a testament to the power of Saudi storytelling. The narrative unfolds organically, focusing on the universal themes of hope, resilience, and the human spirit. The simplicity of the screenplay allows the audience to connect with the characters on a profound level, making their journey all the more impactful.

The Saudi cast delivers heartfelt and touching performances, bringing the characters to life with authenticity and emotion. The chemistry among the actors is palpable, and their performances add depth to the narrative. The film's ability to evoke genuine emotions from the audience is a testament to the skill of the producers, the director, and the cast.

Hajjan leaves viewers like myself begging and yearning for more from this talented team. The film serves as a testament to the growing prominence of Saudi cinema but also showcases the potential for universal storytelling that transcends cultural boundaries. As a viewer, you can't help but feel inspired and awestruck by the cinematic journey presented on screen.

Hajjan is an absolute triumph for Saudi cinema, combining beautiful cinematography, excellent direction, and a touching narrative. This film is not just a movie; it's an entire experience that resonates long after the credits roll. The only downside is that I eagerly anticipate more productions from this talented team, and I'm very eager to witness the continued evolution of Saudi cinema on the global stage.

Encore! I want to see more and more!