Oscars: Saudi Arabia Picks ‘A Matter of Life and Death’ as Best Int’l Feature Submission
Written by and starring Sarah Taibah alongside Yaqoub Al Farhan, the Jeddah-set film, blending romance, fantasy and black comedy, is directed by Anas Ba Tahaf.
First reported 2 hours ago · latest update 2 hours ago
Saudi Arabia has named Anas Ba Tahaf’s feature “A Matter of Life and Death” as its official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards.
The film marks Tahaf’s directorial debut. Prior to directing, he worked as co‑producer, editor and first assistant director on Mahmoud Sabbagh’s rom‑com “Barakah Meets Barakah.” “A Matter of Life and Death” is the first feature he has helmed.
The Jeddah‑set story stars Yaqoub Alfarhan, known for “Scales” and “Norah,” opposite Sarah Taibah, who appears in “Mandoob.” The two portray an unlikely couple whose romance develops against a series of obstacles.
Described as a romantic black comedy, the film blends elements of romance, fantasy and dark humor. Its quirky tone and unconventional narrative have been highlighted as distinguishing features of the production.
The Saudi Film Commission submitted the film as the kingdom’s candidate for the Oscars’ international feature race, positioning it among the global entries vying for nomination at the upcoming ceremony.
Citations · 3 reports from 3 outlets
Tap a citation to read it above, right here on T.A.M.
Oscars: Saudi Arabia Picks ‘A Matter of Life and Death’ as Best Int’l Feature Submission
Written by and starring Sarah Taibah alongside Yaqoub Al Farhan, the Jeddah-set film, blending romance, fantasy and black comedy, is directed by Anas Ba Tahaf.
2 hours ago · Georg SzalaiOscars: Saudi Arabia Submits ‘A Matter Of Life & Death’ For Best International Feature Film
The Saudi Film Commission has selected Anas Ba Tahaf’s A Matter of Life and Death as Saudi Arabia’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards. Local stars Yaqoub Alfarhan (Scales, Norah) and Sarah Taibah (Mandoob) play an unlikely couple whose love blossoms against the odds in the Jeddah-set feature, one […]
2 hours ago · Melanie GoodfellowOscars: Saudi Arabia Picks Quirky Comedy ‘A Matter of Life and Death’ for International Feature Race
Saudi director Anas Ba Tahaf’s romantic black comedy “A Matter of Life and Death” has been selected as Saudi Arabia’s candidate for the Oscars international feature film category. The quirky movie marks the directorial debut of Tahaf, who previously worked as co-producer, editor and first assistant director on Mahmoud Sabbagh’s groundbreaking rom-com “Barakah Meets Barakah,” […]
2 hours ago · Nvivarelli