Jeddah:The Saudi Film Commission has officially selected the feature film "A Matter of Life and Death" to represent Saudi Arabia at the 99th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. This decision follows a thorough review of several Saudi films conducted under the supervision of the Saudi Oscar Selection Committee.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the committee comprises prominent Saudi filmmakers and industry experts who evaluate submitted films based on standards set by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. This year, the committee faced a challenging task due to the number of distinguished Saudi films in contention. Nonetheless, after careful deliberations, "A Matter of Life and Death" was unanimously chosen to represent the Kingdom.
The film, directed by Anas Ba-Tahaf and written by Sarah Taibah, is a blend of romance and dark comedy set in Jeddah. It tells the story of Hayat, who fears an inherited curse will claim her life when she turns 30, and Yousef, a heart surgeon with a slow heartbeat. Their unexpected meeting leads them to confront themes of life, death, love, and destiny. The cast includes Yagoub Alfarhan and Sarah Taibah, along with emerging Saudi talents and notable figures in the film industry.
Films competing in the Best International Feature Film category must meet the Academy's eligibility criteria and undergo several evaluation stages. This process culminates in the announcement of a shortlist, followed by the final list of nominees. The winning film will be revealed at the Academy Awards ceremony in March 2027.