The third edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival will open with Hwjin on November 30. This movie is based on a Saudi fantasy romantic novel.
It narrates the story, set in Jeddah, of a kind jinn, who lives among human beings –unseen and unheard. But soon develops an attraction for a young medical student.
“But as he unravels the truth of his royal lineage, he finds himself embarking on an epic journey to reclaim his birthright and battles ancient evils to maintain the balance between his world and student’s”, according to a note.
“It’s profoundly meaningful for us to open this year’s Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah – the city where Hwjn’s story was born, and which plays a pivotal role in the narrative,” Iraqi director Yasir Alyasiri says.
“This premiere is not just a tribute to the film’s journey, but also to Jeddah’s vibrant culture and history, which inspired us immensely.
“The story of Hwjn is an epic tale of romance, adventure and culture that has resonated with millions in Saudi Arabia and beyond. Bringing this beloved novel to life as a movie has been an extraordinary journey and a landmark achievement for regional cinema.”
The book was penned by Ibraheem Abbas and came out in 2013. It became a bestselling novel in Saudi Arabia.
The cinematic work features a predominantly Saudi cast including Baraa Alem as Hwjn and Nour Alkhadra as the student. Other cast members include Nayef Althifery, Alanoud Saud and Mohsen Mansour.
A trailer of the film was unveiled at last year’s Festival.
The Festival will conclude on December 9.
