Saudi Arabia Nominates 'A Matter of Life and Death' for Oscars

WHO:

Deadline - The Saudi Film Commission selected Anas Ba Tahaf’s film.

Variety - Local stars Yaqoub Alfarhan and Sarah Taibah are featured in the film.

WHAT:

Deadline - The film "A Matter of Life and Death" has been nominated as Saudi Arabia’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards.

Variety - "A Matter of Life and Death" is described as a romantic black comedy and marks the directorial debut of Anas Ba Tahaf.

WHERE:

Deadline - The film is set in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

WHEN:

Deadline - The film is submitted for consideration at the 99th Academy Awards.

WHY:

Variety - The film's selection reflects Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to promote its film industry on an international stage.

HOW:

Variety - Anas Ba Tahaf previously worked as co-producer, editor, and first assistant director on the film "Barakah Meets Barakah."

(UPDATED October 7, 2026 18:11 UTC)

Anas Ba Tahaf's film "A Matter of Life and Death" has been nominated as Saudi Arabia’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards, showcasing local stars Yaqoub Alfarhan and Sarah Taibah. This romantic black comedy, which is set in Jeddah, marks Ba Tahaf's directorial debut and reflects the country's efforts to promote its film industry on an international stage. Prior to this project, Ba Tahaf gained experience as a co-producer, editor, and first assistant director on the film "Barakah Meets Barakah."