ARABIAN SIGHTS

Hajjan

ABU BAKR SHAWKY
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, 2023
117 minutes, Color

In the high-energy world of small-circuit camel racing, Ghanim is preparing for the Great Safwa Race—where heroes are made. Younger brother and Bedouin tailor Matar grew up hearing Ghanim recite poetry about their legendary grandfather known as "Hajjan," the Arabic word for jockey. While following in his grandfather's footsteps and building a name for himself in a regional qualifying race, foul play cuts Ghanim's dreams short. Although Matar doesn't share Ghanim's passion for the track, he does share a rider's love for his camel, Hofira. The devoted pair, unaware of the sprawling battle ahead of them, set out together to avenge Ghanim's fate and instead commit to an outsized fight against a regional champion. An epic journey in proportion and scope, Abu Bakr Shawky's rousing feature boasts a fabled sense of urgency backed by an evocative score and the awe-inspiring atmosphere of the Arabian desert.—Toronto International Film Festival

In Arabic with English subtitles