Set between Europe and North Africa, Sophia follows Emily, a woman who travels from London to Tunisia against her father’s wishes in an attempt to reconnect her daughter, Sophia, with her estranged husband.
The situation quickly spirals into crisis when the young girl disappears, plunging the fractured family into a web of secrets and deception. As tensions mount, Emily races against time to uncover the truth and find her daughter.
The film features an international cast led by Jessica Brown Findlay (Downton Abbey, Brave New World), alongside Dhafer L’Abidine, Kais Setti (Dogs of Berlin, Blood Red Sky), and veteran actor Jonathan Hyde (Titanic, Anaconda).
Sophia, a family thriller, is a co-production between Double A Productions and New Sparta Productions, with cinematography by Willie Nel and editing by Hafedh Laaridhi. The film’s original score was composed by Selim Arjoun.
The film had its world premiere at the Marrakech International Film Festival, launching its global festival journey to critical attention.
Dhafer L’Abidine
L’Abidine, 53, a graduate of the Birmingham School of Speech and Drama, built his early career in British television, appearing in series such as Dream Team and Spooks. He later featured in international productions including Children of Men and Sex and the City 2, before becoming widely known in the Arab world through television dramas such as Maktoub, Halawat El Donia, and Arous Beirut.
Behind the camera, he made his directorial debut with Ghodwa, which won the FIPRESCI Prize at the Cairo International Film Festival and was shortlisted for the Golden Globe Awards.
His second feature, To My Son, earned Best Film at the Hollywood Arab Film Festival, further establishing him as a prominent Arab filmmaker working across international markets.
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