MAD World, the leading international film sales agent in the Arab world, has picked up worldwide sales rights to 'Sophia,' a thriller directed by and starring Dhafer L’Abidine. The film is scheduled for its world premiere at the Marrakech International Film Festival on Tuesday. It follows a mother's frantic search for her missing daughter during a trip to Tunisia.
Plot and Production
'Sophia' centers on Emily, who travels from London to Tunisia against her father's wishes to reconnect her daughter with her estranged husband. When Sophia disappears, the family becomes entangled in lies and deceit as Emily races against time to find her. The Tunisian-British co-production is produced by L’Abidine's Double A Productions and New Sparta Productions. It was lensed by Willie Nel, edited by Hafedh Laaridhi, with production design by Adel Ouni, sound by Moncef Taleb, and score by Selim Arjoun.
Cast
The film stars Jessica Brown Findlay (Brave New World, Harlots, Downton Abbey), Jonathan Hyde (The Brutalist), Kais Setti (Tracing Addai, Haps), Hiba Abouk (The Prince), and Maya Celine Gharbi, alongside director Dhafer L’Abidine.
Quotes and Context
L’Abidine described the project as 'a thriller with a heart,' adding, 'When I started working on it, I wanted to tell a human story, one that transcends geography and nationality, and speaks to audiences everywhere.' MAD World co-founders Alaa Karkouti and Maher Diab praised it as 'a bold and raw take on the clash between the present and the past,' stating, 'It is beautiful to watch, and we’re excited to bring it to the world.' Co-producer Christopher Simon noted, 'Especially in times like these, telling stories that foster deeper understanding, empathy, and connection between our worlds feels more important than ever.'
Director's Background
L’Abidine, a Birmingham School of Speech and Drama graduate, has a diverse career spanning UK TV (Dream Team, Spooks), films (Children of Men, Sex and the City 2), and Arab series (Maktoub, Halawat El Donia, Arous Beirut). His directorial debut Ghodwa was shortlisted for Golden Globes and won the FIPRESCI Prize at Cairo Film Festival. His second film, To My Son, took best film at the Hollywood Arab Film Festival. He also stars in Palestine 36, Palestine’s Oscar entry, screening at Marrakech.