Dhafer L'Abidine
In 2021, Dhafer L’ABIDINE directed his first feature film Ghodwa, which he co-wrote, starred in and produced it through his company Double A Productions. Ghodwa premiered at the Cairo International Film Festival and won the FIPRESCI award for best film. To My Son is his second feature film which he also co-wrote, directed, produced and starred in.
As an actor Dhafer has enjoyed a successful career in the West and in the Middle East. He started his acting career in the UK and has appeared in numerous international film productions such as Children of Men, Sex and the City 2 and Centurion. On the small screen he can be seen in the Netflix French-speaking series The Eddy, produced and directed by Oscar-winning director Damien CHAZELLE. In the Arab world, Dhafer won ‘Best Actor’ awards for his roles in the two Egyptian series Eugenie Nights and Halawat Al Dounia. His latest role in the hugely successful MBC series Aroos Beirut brought him more critical and public acclaim across the Arab world.
Other movies
In-Conversation with Mona Zaki
Director: Mona Zaki
Red Sea Film Festival is proud to have Mona Zaki as an Honoree guest. Mona is a successful Egyptian Actress who started her career at the age of 16 with a role in “Bel Araby Elfaseh” under the well-known Actor and Director Mohamed Sobhy. She has portrayed many diversified roles throughout her career, showcasing her exceptional talent while working alongside the region’s top actors and directors in over 60 movies and series. Through her acting career, Mona Zaki has become a quintessential star of her generation, portrayed as a role model for successful women in cinematography. Throughout her career, Mona has won multiple prestigious awards. Known for extremely complex compositional roles, Mona Zaki's conversation will revolve around her experience with the characters she has played, her profound way of acting, her experience with directors, and her personal contribution to each role.
HANAMI
Director: Denise Fernandes
The remote volcanic island of Fogo, off the coast of Cape Verde, is a difficult place to make a living. Like many other young people, Nia chooses to go, leaving her new baby Nana to be raised by her grandmother. Nana is observant and sensitive; when she develops a high fever and is sent to recover with a healer under the volcano, she immediately responds to the magical atmosphere of the island’s interior. It is as if the island itself, along with the network of women who give the film a strong feminine energy, is caring for her. A moving story about longing and belonging, culminating in the older Nana’s quandary: should she stay here forever, or follow her mother into the wider world?
MY DRIVER AND I
Director: Ahd Kamel
The story revolves around Salma, a smart and strong-willed young girl who knows exactly what she wants out of life. Today, she's in search of ice cream; tomorrow, she plans to explore the world. Her character is a testament to the power of ambition and determination. Salma struggles with her father’s absence, who is often far away, adding complexity to her relationship with her mother, which has not always been easy. This family dynamic shapes her personality and decisions. Salma finds a supportive figure in her Sudanese driver, Qamar, who enriches her life experiences and provides her with a sense of security.
