sophia to screen at manchester film festival

Dhafer L’Abidine’s emotionally charged family thriller SOPHIA is set to screen at the Manchester Film Festival (March 19th to the 29th), on Saturday, at 2:10 pm on March 28th at Odeon Screen 11.

Renowned for championing bold storytelling and emerging global voices, the Manchester Film Festival provides an ideal stage for SOPHIA’s continued festival run, bringing the film to UK audiences following its international success on the circuit.

Against the wishes of her father, Emily travels from London to Tunisia in the hopes of reconnecting her daughter, Sophia, with her estranged husband. When Sophia suddenly disappears, secrets unravel and trust fractures, pulling the family into a desperate race against time. As lies close in, Emily must confront the devastating cost of truth — and the lengths a mother will go to protect her child.

Previously, the film held its world premiere at the Marrakech International Film Festival before going global at the US’ Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

A co-production between Double A Productions and New Sparta Productions, SOPHIA is written, directed, and produced by Dhafer L’Abidine. The film features cinematography by Willie Nel (MEERKAT MAANTUIG, THE MAURITANIAN), editing by Hafedh Laaridhi (THE VILE, GHODWA), production design by Adel Ouni (CHILD OF THE SUN), sound by Moncef Taleb (TLAMESS), and an original score composed by Selim Arjoun (SWIM 62). MAD World handles the film’s worldwide sales and MAD Distribution its MENA-wide distribution.

Dhafer L’Abidine is a Tunisian actor, writer, and director whose career spans British television, international cinema, and major productions across the Arab world. A graduate of the Birmingham School of Speech and Drama, he began his screen career in the UK with series such as DREAM TEAM and SPOOKS, later appearing in films including CHILDREN OF MEN and SEX AND THE CITY 2. He has since become a prominent figure in Arab television through acclaimed series such as MAKTOUB, HALAWAT EL DONIA, and AROUS BEIRUT.

Behind the camera, L’Abidine made his feature 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, received Best Film and a Special Mention for Screenwriting at the Hollywood Arab Film Festival, further cementing his reputation as a distinctive and emotionally driven storyteller.