Dhafer L’Abidine’s Thriller ‘Sophia’ Boarded by MAD World Ahead of Marrakech Film Festival Premiere (EXCLUSIVE)

MAD World, the Arab world’s leading international film sales agent, has picked up “Sophia,” directed by and starring Dhafer L’Abidine, who also stars in “Palestine 36,” Palestine’s Oscar entry. “Sophia” has its world premiere on Tuesday at Marrakech Film Festival, where “Palestine 36” also screens.

“Sophia,” which centers on a trip to reconnect a daughter with her roots gone wrong, also 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.

The film follows Emily, who – against the wishes of her father – travels from London to Tunisia in the hopes of reconnecting her daughter, Sophia, with her estranged husband. The unthinkable happens when Sophia disappears, and lies and deceit quickly ensnare the broken family. Emily’s world is flipped upside down as she races against time to find her daughter.

L’Abidine, who was interviewed this week by Variety, said: “ ‘Sophia’ is a thriller with a heart. When I started working on it, I wanted to tell a human story, one that transcends geography and nationality, and speaks to audiences everywhere.”

Alaa Karkouti and Maher Diab, co-founders of MAD World, said: “ ‘Sophia’ is a bold and raw take on the clash between the present and the past, the interplay of where we are now and where we come from, and the lengths we go to reconcile them so that we can walk toward the future unburdened. It is beautiful to watch, and we’re excited to bring it to the world.”

The film brings together L’Abidine’s own production company, Double A Productions, with L’Abidine as the producer, and New Sparta Productions in a Tunisian-British co-production.

Christopher Simon, the film’s co-producer, said, “Especially in times like these, telling stories that foster deeper understanding, empathy, and connection between our worlds feels more important than ever.”

The film is lensed by Willie Nel, and edited by Hafedh Laaridhi, with Adel Ouni serving as the production designer, Moncef Taleb on sound, and Selim Arjoun handling the score.

L’Abidine’s 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 journey in the U.K. with shows such as “Dream Team” and “Spooks.” He went on to appear in high-profile films like “Children of Men” and “Sex and the City 2,” and on TV series including “The Looming Tower” and “The Eddy.” In the Arab region, he became a household name through series such as “Maktoub,” “Halawat El Donia” and “Arous Beirut.”

As a director, L’Abidine made his feature debut with “Ghodwa,” which he co-wrote, directed, starred in, and produced through Double A Productions. The film was shortlisted for the Golden Globe Awards and won the FIPRESCI Prize at the Cairo Film Festival. His second feature, “To My Son,” earned best film and a special mention for screenwriting at the Hollywood Arab Film Festival.