Egyptian director and editor Hend Sohail is set to premiere her short drama “A Promise to the Sea” at the 35th São Paulo International Short Film Festival. The film follows the story of Zain, who, during his mother’s funeral preparations, impulsively takes her corpse and embarks on a journey that leads to unexpected and life-altering experiences.
Director Hend Sohail explained that the film aims to explore the extraordinary bond between a son and his mother. She wanted to portray how Zain’s refusal to accept the finality of his mother’s death leads him on a perilous journey, ultimately broadening his perspective on the complexities of the world.
The film, co-written by Sohail and Omar Zinhom, features Nabil Botros Talaan in the lead role, with Mostafa El Kashef cinematography and Samir Radwan editing. Nourhan Yasser of That’s A Wrap served as the producer, along with co-producers Younes Medhat, Mohammed Al-Omda, Ahmed El-Naggar, Dina Shokry, and Hussain Hamadi. MAD World manages international sales, while MAD Distribution handles distribution and sales in the Arab-speaking world.
Hend Sohail, known for her work with prominent directors on short films and commercials, marks her directorial debut with “A Promise to the Sea” after honing her skills as a director’s producer for commercial projects.
