Egyptian short drama “A Promise to the Sea”, directed by Hend Sohail, has received the Best Fiction Film award at the recently held Linz International Short Film Festival. The jury, which included members Wiltrud Katharina Hackl, Nozhat Badi, and Katharina Farnleitner, praised the film for its subtle yet profound storytelling. They described it as a poetic road movie that provides an intimate look at its protagonist’s emotional journey while tackling societal taboos. The jury emphasized the film’s portrayal of goodbyes as a gradual process rather than a singular event, commending Sohail’s ability to create a deeply moving debut.
The film premiered at the São Paulo International Short Film Festival and is scheduled to make its Arab World debut at the upcoming 7th El Gouna Film Festival. A Promise to the Sea was co-written by Hend Sohail and Omar Zinhom, featuring performances from Nabil Botros Talaan. The film showcases the talents of cinematographer Mostafa El Kashef and editor Samir Radwan, with production led by Nourhan Yasser of That’s A Wrap, along with co-producers Younes Medhat, Mohammed Al-Omda, Ahmed El-Naggar, Dina Shokry, and Hussain Hamadi.
International sales for “A Promise to the Sea” are managed by MAD World, while MAD Distribution oversees its distribution within the Arab world. The recognition at the Linz International Short Film Festival marks a significant milestone for the film and its creators, highlighting its potential to resonate with audiences globally.