DUBAI: Tunisian filmmaker Dhafer L’Abidine has won the award for best director at the Manchester Film Festival for his latest family thriller “Sophia,” adding to a growing list of international accolades.
The film, which screened during the March 19–29 event, drew a strong response from audiences, further cementing its momentum on the global festival circuit.
“Sophia” previously premiered in the US at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, where it was screened twice. Its international run began at the Marrakech International Film Festival, where it first debuted and attracted early critical attention.
The film follows Emily, who travels from London to Tunisia against her father’s wishes in a bid to reunite her daughter, Sophia, with her estranged husband. The story takes a dark turn when Sophia suddenly disappears, drawing the family into a web of lies and deception. As tensions mount, Emily is forced into a race against time to uncover the truth and locate her missing child.
The project is a co-production between Double A Productions and New Sparta Productions. The cast includes L’Abidine alongside Jessica Brown Findlay, Kais Setti and Jonathan Hyde.
Behind the scenes, the film brings together an international crew, including cinematographer Willie Nel, editor Hafedh Laaridhi, production designer Adel Ouni, sound specialist Moncef Taleb and composer Selim Arjoun.
A graduate of the Birmingham School of Speech and Drama, L’Abidine has built a career spanning British television, international cinema and major productions across the Arab world. He first gained recognition in UK series such as “Dream Team” and “Spooks,” before appearing in films including “Children of Men,” as well as series like “The Looming Tower” and “The Eddy.” In the Arab world, he is widely known for hit dramas such as “Maktoub,” “Halawat El Donia” and “Arous Beirut.”
As a filmmaker, he made his directorial debut with “Ghodwa,” which earned international recognition, including a FIPRESCI Prize at the Cairo International Film Festival and a Golden Globe shortlist. His follow-up film, “To My Son,” won best film and a special mention for screenwriting at the Hollywood Arab Film Festival.
