Tunisian actor and filmmaker Dhafer L’Abidine is bringing his latest international project to Egyptian cinemas with SOPHIA, a family thriller scheduled for release on November 25, 2026.
Written, directed, produced by, and starring L’Abidine, the film features an international cast. British actors Jessica Brown Findlay and Jonathan Hyde join him in the production, bringing together familiar faces from British television and international cinema.
Set between Europe and North Africa, SOPHIA explores family relationships, cultural differences, and the lengths people go to protect their loved ones. The story follows Emily, a British woman who travels to Tunisia to reconnect her daughter Sophia with her estranged husband.
However, the journey takes an unexpected turn when the young girl disappears. The incident triggers a series of revelations, secrets, and family tensions. Emily must then race against time to uncover the truth and find her daughter.
Dhafer L’Abidine Takes on Multiple Roles Behind the Camera
For L’Abidine, SOPHIA represents another significant step in his journey as a filmmaker. The Tunisian actor has steadily expanded his work beyond acting, developing projects that explore Arab identities and international storytelling.
His recent work has increasingly highlighted his filmmaking ambitions. His directorial debut, Ghodwa, earned the FIPRESCI Prize at the Cairo International Film Festival in 2021.
He subsequently wrote, directed, and starred in To My Son, which received the Best Film award at the Hollywood Arab Film Festival. His recent acting credits also include Annemarie Jacir’s historical drama Palestine 36 and the Egyptian production El Sellem Wel Te3ban 2.
With SOPHIA, L’Abidine continues developing stories that place Arab characters within wider international narratives.
An International Cast Led by Familiar Faces
Joining L’Abidine is Jessica Brown Findlay, widely recognized for portraying Lady Sybil Crawley in the acclaimed period drama Downtown Abbey.
The cast also features veteran actor Jonathan Hyde, whose career spans several decades of international productions. Audiences will likely recognize him from iconic films such as Titanic, Jumanji, and The Mummy. He also appeared in Guillermo del Toro’s gothic horror film Crimson Peak.
The combination of L’Abidine’s Arab filmmaking background and his British co-stars gives SOPHIA a distinctly international cast.
From International Film Festivals to Egyptian Cinemas
Before its upcoming Egyptian release, SOPHIA had already begun its international festival journey.
The film premiered at the Marrakech International Film Festival in 2025. It subsequently screened at the Manchester Film Festival in March 2026, where L’Abidine received the Best Director award.
The recognition adds another milestone to his growing career behind the camera. It also places SOPHIA among his latest projects reaching international audiences.
The production is a collaboration between Double A Productions and New Sparta Productions. Its cinematography comes from Willie Nel, while Hafedh Laaridhi handled editing. Selim Arjoun composed the original score.
SODIC and Vodafone RED Join the Film’s Egyptian Journey
Ahead of its Egyptian theatrical release, real estate developer SODIC announced its official partnership with SOPHIA. Vodafone RED also joined the project as its Official Entertainment Partner.
The collaboration carries a personal connection for SODIC, as L’Abidine resides in its SODIC West community in West Cairo.
As part of the partnership, SODIC plans to host several exclusive experiences for its residents. These include a dedicated community event, a meet-and-greet with L’Abidine, and a private premiere after-party.
The initiatives aim to bring audiences closer to the filmmaker and the production beyond the cinema experience.
With its international cast, cross-cultural storyline, and Arab creative leadership, SOPHIA marks another notable chapter in L’Abidine’s filmmaking journey.
The film is scheduled to arrive in Egyptian cinemas on November 25, 2026.
