The Red Sea Film Festival will host the world premiere of A Matter of Life & Death, a new Saudi romantic comedy led by acclaimed actors Sarah Taibah and Yaqoub Alfarhan. Deadline released the film’s first teaser, offering an early look at one of the most anticipated titles emerging from Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding film industry.
Set in Jeddah, the film follows an unexpected love story between two characters whose emotional struggles shape a heartfelt and humorous journey. Marketed as one of the quirkiest Saudi rom-coms since the country lifted its 35-year cinema ban in 2017, the project reflects the creative evolution of the region’s filmmaking landscape.
Unlikely Romance at the Center of the Story
Taibah stars as Hayat, a superstitious young woman convinced she is cursed and incapable of love. Alfarhan portrays Youssef, a gentle and introverted doctor suffering from a heart condition that forces him to suppress overwhelming emotions.
The two meet under challenging circumstances and slowly develop a bond, discovering shared anxiety surrounding fate, mortality, and personal identity. Hayat battles the controlling influence of her aunts, while Youssef struggles to live freely despite his medical limitations. Their shared vulnerability becomes the core of their connection.
Second Feature from Rising Director Anas Ba-Tahaf
The film marks the second feature from Jeddah-based Yemeni filmmaker Anas Ba-Tahaf, who gained critical praise for his debut film Fay’s Palette in 2021. That project was screened in the inaugural year of the Red Sea Film Festival and helped spotlight Saudi Arabia’s emerging cinematic talent.
Ba-Tahaf and Taibah are longtime creative partners. She starred in Fay’s Palette and co-wrote the hit series Jameel Jeddan, in which she also played the lead — a young woman who awakens from a coma after five years.
Regional Collaboration Behind the Production
A Matter of Life & Death is produced through a multinational partnership involving:
Film Clinic (Cairo)
Front Row Productions (Dubai)
Arabia Pictures Group (Saudi Arabia)
Rotana Studios
The collaborative production model reflects the broader expansion of film financing partnerships across the Middle East as the industry accelerates.
Building Momentum for Saudi Cinema
The premiere arrives during a milestone moment for Saudi filmmaking, as local creators continue to experiment with genre storytelling and contemporary social themes. Romantic comedies in particular have become a space for exploring cultural transformation, generational tensions, and emotional individuality.
With strong early buzz and charismatic leads, A Matter of Life & Death is expected to draw significant attention from global distributors and festival audiences.
The film will debut at the Red Sea Film Festival this week, with international streaming and theatrical updates expected after its premiere.
