A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH
Saudi Arabia I 2025 I Arabic dialogue with English subtitles I 115 min
ABOUT FILM
A Matter of Life and Death is a romantic dark comedy directed by Anas Ba-Tahaf and written by Saudi writer and actress Sarah Taibah, who also stars in the film. The film premiered at the Red Sea International Film Festival, where it was presented as part of the official selection highlighting new voices in Saudi cinema. Blending humor, romance, and unexpected twists, the film reflects the growing diversity of storytelling emerging from the contemporary Saudi film scene.
Set in modern Saudi Arabia, the story follows an unusual encounter between a superstitious young woman and a brilliant but emotionally reserved heart surgeon. What begins as an unexpected meeting gradually evolves into a complicated relationship shaped by fate, coincidence, and personal fears. Through this premise, the film explores themes of destiny, love, and the unpredictability of life, while maintaining a playful tone that balances comedy with emotional reflection.
The film’s narrative unfolds through a series of surprising situations that blur the line between romantic comedy and darker humor. Director Anas Ba-Tahaf combines stylized storytelling with character-driven performances, creating a cinematic atmosphere that moves between lighthearted moments and deeper reflections on human relationships.
Featuring performances by Sarah Taibah alongside a cast of emerging Saudi actors, A Matter of Life and Death contributes to the expanding presence of Saudi filmmakers experimenting with genre and narrative form. The film demonstrates how contemporary Saudi cinema is increasingly exploring new creative directions while remaining rooted in local culture and storytelling traditions.
The screening in Helsinki on April 15, 2026, as part of MAFF Arabian Nights, introduces the film to Nordic audiences and presents an opportunity to experience one of the latest productions from Saudi Arabia’s rapidly developing film industry.
Screening: Odeon Cinema Oslo. Vitaminveien 27, 0485 Oslo, Norway
Get your free ticket here >>
CAST & CREDITS
Director: Anas Ba-Tahaf
Writer: Sarah Taibah
Cast: Sarah Taibah and Yagoub Alfarhan
Producer: Anas Ba-Tahaf, Sara Alghabra, Gianluca Chakra, Mohamed Hefzzy and Ahmed Teama
Anas Ba-Tahaf
Anas Ba-Tahaf is a Saudi filmmaker and director whose work reflects the growing wave of contemporary filmmakers emerging from the Kingdom. Based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, working across film, television, and digital media. He began directing while still in school, creating online series that collectively reached over 30 million views.
Ba-Tahaf later worked on the feature film Barakah Meets Barakah (2016) as co-producer, editor, and first assistant director. The film was selected as Saudi Arabia’s submission to the Academy Awards in 2017. He also produced the film Amra and the Second Marriage (2018). His directorial feature debut, Fay’s Palette, premiered at the Red Sea International Film Festival, and he has since continued directing and producing projects across film and television.
With A Matter of Life and Death, he explores the intersection of romance, comedy, and psychological tension, presenting a story that combines genre elements with character-driven storytelling. The film reflects the expanding diversity of themes and creative approaches shaping the new generation of Saudi cinema.