Day: March 30, 2026

Egypt-based Tunisian filmmaker and actor Dhafer L’Abidine has won the Best Director Award at the Manchester Film Festival (19 to 29 March), for his latest feature Sophia.

Set between Europe and North Africa, Sophia follows Emily, a woman who travels from London to Tunisia against her father’s wishes in an attempt to reconnect her daughter, Sophia, with her estranged husband.

The situation quickly spirals into crisis when the young girl disappears, plunging the fractured family into a web of secrets and deception. As tensions mount, Emily races against time to uncover the truth and find her daughter.

The film features an international cast led by Jessica Brown Findlay (Downton Abbey, Brave New World), alongside Dhafer L’Abidine, Kais Setti (Dogs of Berlin, Blood Red Sky), and veteran actor Jonathan Hyde (Titanic, Anaconda).

Sophia, a family thriller, is a co-production between Double A Productions and New Sparta Productions, with cinematography by Willie Nel and editing by Hafedh Laaridhi. The film’s original score was composed by Selim Arjoun. 

The film had its world premiere at the Marrakech International Film Festival, launching its global festival journey to critical attention.

Dhafer L’Abidine
 

L’Abidine, 53, a graduate of the Birmingham School of Speech and Drama, built his early career in British television, appearing in series such as Dream Team and Spooks. He later featured in international productions including Children of Men and Sex and the City 2, before becoming widely known in the Arab world through television dramas such as Maktoub, Halawat El Donia, and Arous Beirut.

Behind the camera, he made his directorial debut with Ghodwa, which won the FIPRESCI Prize at the Cairo International Film Festival and was shortlisted for the Golden Globe Awards.

His second feature, To My Son, earned Best Film at the Hollywood Arab Film Festival, further establishing him as a prominent Arab filmmaker working across international markets.

source/content: english.ahram.org.eg (ahram online)/ headline edited

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TUNISIA

The event forms part of the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum from March 30 to April 1 at the King Salman International Convention Center in Madinah.

King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, in cooperation with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Pilgrim Experience Program, is organizing a forum on historical sites associated with the Prophet’s biography.

The event forms part of the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum from March 30 to April 1 at the King Salman International Convention Center in Madinah.

Several researchers and specialists in Prophetic biography and Islamic history will attend the three-day forum, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Organizing the forum is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to serve the Prophetic biography, aiming to enhance the scientific documentation of historical sites associated with it and highlight their intellectual and cultural value.

The forum will focus on several key pillars, notably documenting the landmarks of the Prophet’s life, linking its events to geographical locations, and supporting specialized scientific research.

It also includes scientific sessions discussing mechanisms for verifying historical narratives and distinguishing between authentic and unreliable accounts.

Additionally, the forum reviews the Kingdom’s efforts to revive historical sites related to the Prophetic biography and present them through modern technologies and innovative approaches that enrich the visitor experience.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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SAUDI ARABIA

The Government of the Sultanate of Oman announced the completion of its acquisition of SalamAir, affirming that both Oman Air and SalamAir will continue to operate as fully independent brands while preserving their operational identity, fleets and services.

Eng. Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said this approach aims to reduce overlap in destination networks between the two airlines, ensuring optimal utilisation of fleets and expanding air connectivity within the Sultanate and the wider region.

He added that this will enhance operational efficiency and provide travellers with broader options and greater diversity within the two economic categories served by the carriers.

He noted in a statement to Oman News Agency that this strategic transformation is expected to improve the financial position of both airlines, as well as companies associated with ground services, through the development of cost structures and enhancement of revenue quality.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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OMAN