Tunisian actor and director Dhafer L’Abidine continues his international success as his gripping family thriller "Sophia" takes home the Best Director Award at the 2026 Manchester Film Festival (MFF) held March 19–29, where the film also garnered strong audience reception.
The film previously celebrated its U.S. premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, where it was screened twice in the presence of L’Abidine, who serves as the film’s writer, director, producer, and lead actor.
"Sophia" first debuted at the Marrakech International Film Festival, launching its global festival run to critical attention.
The film follows Emily, who travels from London to Tunisia against her father’s wishes in an attempt to reconnect 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.
A co-production between Double A Productions and New Sparta Productions, "Sophia" is brought to life by Dhafer L’Abidine and boasts a star-studded cast, including Dhafer L’Abidine (Children Of Men, Sex And The City 2), Jessica Brown Findlay (Downton Abbey, Brave New World), Kais Setti Dogs Of Berlin, Blood Red Sky), and Jonathan Hyde (Titanic, Anaconda).
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 worldwide sales, while MAD Distribution oversees MENA-wide distribution.
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 journey in the UK with shows such as "Dream Team" and "Spook"..
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 serials such as "Maktoub," "Halawat El Donia," and "Arous Beirut," showcasing his versatility in drama, action, and romance.
Behind the camera, 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 International Film Festival. His second feature, "To My Son," earned Best Film and a Special Mention for Screenwriting at the Hollywood Arab Film Festival, solidifying his reputation as a multifaceted storyteller on both regional and international stages.
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