Saudi Thriller Movie “Unidentified” Captivates Global Audiences as it Heads to Cinemas in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf

Rotana Studios, in partnership with Al Mansour Establishment and in collaboration with Daw Initiative, the Saudi Film Commission, and the Cultural Development Fund, proudly announce the continued international success of the Saudi thriller “Unidentified”, written and directed by internationally acclaimed filmmaker Haifaa Al Mansour.

Following its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in the prestigious Centrepiece section, the film has gone on to screen at the Zurich Film Festival and the Red Sea International Film Festival, further cementing its position as a standout Saudi production on the global stage.

“Unidentified” is set to release theatrically across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region on January 1, 2026.

“Unidentified” follows Nawal Al Saffan (portrayed by Mila Al Zahrani), a true-crime enthusiast driven by determination to identify a teenage girl’s body discovered in the desert. Despite a ticking clock that seemingly guarantees the girl’s senseless death will be dismissed as a cold case, Nawal is resolute in uncovering the truth. Her investigation unravels a mystery deeply entangled within a traditional society in transition where women are learning to create more space for themselves and take control of their destinies.

The film’s intense emotional core, rich storytelling, and nuanced direction showcase the powerful narrative potential of Saudi cinema. Shot entirely on location in Saudi Arabia in 2024, the film was produced under the banner of Al Mansour Establishment in association with Rotana Studios, with support from the Daw Initiative through the Saudi Film Commission.

“Unidentified” exemplifies the integration of innovation across all stages of production from the use of advanced cinematography technologies to creative visual storytelling approaches that enhance audience immersion. The film blends a deeply human story with modern production tools, reinforcing Saudi cinema’s growing presence on the global map of high-quality filmmaking.

“The film ‘Unidentified’ presents a powerful story that highlights what Saudi cinema can achieve when creativity, talent, and culture come together. It is inspiring to see filmmakers telling stories that resonate with audiences both locally and globally. At Rotana Media, we are proud to support these creatives and help turn their work into reality, made possible through the significant efforts and fruitful collaboration of my colleagues, who played a key role in bringing this project to life. This role is an extension of the vision and support of His Royal Highness Prince Alwaleed bin Talal in empowering young creatives and advancing the Saudi film industry. This commitment was evident early on with the production of the first Saudi film by director Haifaa Al-Mansour, ‘Wadjda’, which marked a pivotal moment and helped open global horizons for Saudi cinema, reaffirming our continued belief in the importance of investing in national creativity and supporting its presence on the international stage”.

“’Unidentified’ is a mystery thriller that offers a glimpse into the hidden world of Saudi women. Through relatable characters, I wanted to explore the complex relationships interwoven within Saudi society, challenge expectations, and tell another female-driven story at an especially exciting time of fundamental change in Saudi Arabia. My hope is for audiences to be entertained while discovering the layers of identity that shape who we are”.