Mad worldleading international film sales agent in the Arab world, has chosen “Sofia” to be directed by and starring Dhafer L'Abidinewho also stars in Palestine 36, Palestine's Oscar-winning film. “Sofia” will have its world premiere on Tuesday at the Marrakech Film Festival, where “Palestine 36” will also be screened.
Sophia, which chronicles the journey to reunite a daughter whose roots went wrong, also stars Jessica Brown Findlay (Brave New World, Harlots, Downton Abbey), Jonathan Hyde (The Brutalist), Case Setty (In the Wake of Addai, Chance), Hiba Abuk (The Prince) and Maya Celine Gharbi.
The film follows Emily as she – against her father's wishes – travels from London to Tunisia in the hope of reuniting her daughter Sophia with her ex-husband. The unthinkable happens when Sophia disappears, and lies and deceit quickly ensnare the broken family. Emily's world is turned upside down as she races against time to find her daughter.
L'Abidine, who was interview this week To Diversitysaid: “'Sofia' is a thriller with heart. When I started working on it, I wanted to tell a human story that transcends geography and nationality and speaks to audiences everywhere.”
Alaa Karkouti and Maher Diab, co-founders of MAD World, said: “'Sofia' is a bold and raw look at the collision between the present and the past, the interplay of where we are now and where we've come from, and the lengths we go to reconcile the two so we can walk into the future unburdened. It's beautiful to watch and we're excited to bring it to the world.”
The film features L'Abidine's own production company Double A Productions, with L'Abidine as producer, and New Sparta Productions in a Tunisian-British co-production.
Christopher Simon, co-producer of the film, said: “Especially in times like these, telling stories that promote deeper understanding, empathy and connection between our worlds feels more important than ever.”
The film was directed by Willy Nel, edited by Hafed Laaridi, with production design by Adel Ouni, sound by Moncef Taleb and music by Selim Arjun.
L'Abidine's career spans British television, international film and major productions throughout the Arab world. A graduate of the Birmingham School of Speech and Drama, he began his screen journey in the UK with shows such as The Dream Team and Spooks. He went on to appear in high-profile films such as Children of Men and Sex and the City 2, as well as TV series including The Looming Tower and Eddie. In the Arab region, he became a household name thanks to series such as Maktoub, Halawat El Doniya and Awakened Beirut.
L'Abidine made his feature directorial debut with Godwa, which he co-wrote, directed, starred in and produced through Double A Productions. The film was shortlisted for the Golden Globe Award and won the FIPRESCI Prize at the Cairo Film Festival. His second feature film, To My Son, won Best Picture and a Special Mention for Screenplay at the Hollywood Arab Film Festival.
