The film’s international sales are handled by MAD World, while its distribution and sales in the Arab-speaking world are handled by MAD Distribution.
Egyptian director and editor Hend Sohail’s short drama A Promise to the Sea will make its world premiere at the 35th São Paulo International Short Film Festival, running from August 22 to September 1 in Brazil.
The film centres on Zain, who impulsively steals his mother’s corpse during her funeral preparations. As he drives away from his modest hometown and hits the open road, he encounters an unexpected situation that profoundly alters his life.
Ahead of the film’s premiere, director Hend Sohail shared her vision for A Promise to the Sea: “I wanted to explore an extraordinary bond between a son and his mother. When Zain loses his mother, he’s unable to accept the finality of her death. His refusal leads him on a perilous journey, during which he realises the world is far more complex than he ever imagined.”
Directed and co-written by Sohail alongside Omar Zinhom, the film stars Nabil Botros Talaan, with cinematography by Mostafa El Kashef, editing by Samir Radwan and production by Nourhan Yasser of That’s A Wrap. The project also features co-producers Younes Medhat, Mohammed Al-Omda, Ahmed El-Naggar, Dina Shokry and Hussain Hamadi. International sales are managed by MAD World, while MAD Distribution handles its distribution and sales in the Arab-speaking world.
Hend Sohail has worked with several prominent directors on short films and commercials. After graduation, she honed her skills as a director’s producer for commercial projects before embarking on her directorial debut with A Promise to the Sea.