Egyptian-Saudi Film ‘Dhay‘ Set to Open Red Sea Film Festival
A coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of Egypt’s vibrant landscape, "Dhay" has captured the attention of film enthusiasts and critics alike, selling out tickets ahead of its highly anticipated premiere. The film will open the prestigious Red Sea Film Festival in its fourth edition, taking place from December 5th to 14th.
“Dhay” tells the story of a Nubian albino teenager embarking on a transformative journey from southern Egypt to the northern regions with his unconventional family. Driven by his passion for music and his captivating voice, the protagonist, Dhay, strives to achieve his dream. The film boasts a talented cast, featuring Sudanese actress Islam Mubarak alongside Egyptian actors Haneen Saeed and Badr Mohamed.
The role of Dhay was carefully selected through extensive auditions and a nationwide search spanning a year and a half. Director Karim El-Shenawy, who also produced the film, emphasized the meticulous casting process: "We were seeking a teenager with specific physical attributes and the ability to convincingly portray both acting and singing. It was a long journey, but we found the perfect Dhay in Badr Mohamed."
Filming took place across more than 50 locations throughout Egypt, capturing the country’s diverse landscapes and cultural tapestry.
El-Shenawy expressed his excitement about “Dhay’s” selection to open the Red Sea Film Festival, stating: “I’m thrilled that ‘Dhay’ will open the Red Sea Festival. This project has been a dream of mine since I first read the script five years ago. I believe it’s a film that can appeal to both film aficionados and casual viewers." He added, “It was a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience, made even more enjoyable by the dedicated team who brought this unique story to life. I’m eagerly anticipating the audience’s response."
Haitham Dabour, the film’s writer and producer, echoed El-Shenawy’s enthusiasm: “’Dhay’ is about individuals who have nothing but their dreams and their unwavering belief in each other’s potential. This belief fueled our hard work, ultimately bringing this distinctive story to fruition.”
The festival premiere promises to be a momentous occasion, showcasing El-Shenawy’s directorial talent and the powerful performances of the cast. With its universal themes of aspiration, family, and the pursuit of dreams, "Dhay" is poised to resonate with audiences far beyond the shores of the Red Sea.
## “Dhay”: A Coming-of-Age Tale Set to Open Red sea Film Festival
**The Egyptian-Saudi co-production “Dhay”, a poignant coming-of-age story set against the vibrant backdrop of Egypt,** is generating significant buzz ahead of its world premiere as the opening film for the prestigious Red Sea Film Festival.
For this exclusive interview, we’re joined by the film’s director and producer, Karim El-Shenawy, and writer and producer, Haitham Dabour. El-Shenawy,an established filmmaker with a diverse portfolio,brings his unique vision to “Dhay,” while Dabour,a renowned storyteller,provides the narrative foundation for this moving tale.
Together,they shed light on the film’s inspiration,its impactful casting process,and the larger significance of bringing this story to the international stage.
### **Finding the Perfect “Dhay”: Casting and Collaboration**
**PEM:** Karim, the role of Dhay seems critical to the film’s success. Can you delve into the casting process and why Badr Mohamed was ultimately chosen?
**Karim El-Shenawy:** From the outset,we knew finding the right Dhay required a nationwide search.
It was essential to dismantle stereotypes associated with albinism in cinema and portray him authentically. Badr’s unique blend of acting talent and musical ability made him the perfect embodiment of our protagonist.He dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the character, embodying both the challenges and the resilience that Dhay represents.
**PEM:** Haitham, you’ve said that “Dhay” is a story about unwavering belief. How does this theme resonate both within the narrative and through the collaborative filmmaking process?
**haitham Dabour:**
At its core, “Dhay” is about the power of dreams and the unwavering support of family. We saw this same spirit reflected in our team. Everyone involved – from the cast to the crew – poured their heart and soul into bringing this story to life.
“Dhay’s” selection to open the Red Sea Film Festival is a testament to that shared commitment and belief in the power of cinema to connect us all.
### **Capturing Egypt’s Essence: Locations and Cultural Tapestry**
**PEM:** Karim, filming took place across more than 50 locations in Egypt. How did these diverse settings contribute to the film’s overall impact?
**Karim El-Shenawy:** We wanted the visuals to be as rich and diverse as Egypt itself. From the ancient landmarks to the bustling cities
and the serene landscapes of the Nile, each location played a crucial role in reflecting dhay’s journey of self-revelation and transformation.
**PEM:** Haitham, how do you hope “Dhay” connects with both egyptian viewers and a global audience?
**Haitham Dabour:** While rooted in egyptian culture, the themes explored in “Dhay” – chasing dreams, the significance of family, overcoming adversity – resonate universally. We believe this story has the power to transcend borders and cultures, creating a shared sense of empathy and understanding.
### **Beyond the Premiere: “Dhay” and the Future of Arab Cinema**
**PEM:** How do you see “Dhay” contributing to the growing presence of Arab cinema on the global stage?
**Karim El-Shenawy:** “Dhay” represents a new wave of Arab filmmaking, one that is critically acclaimed, commercially viable, and deeply rooted in cultural authenticity. We hope this film will inspire
other filmmakers and pave the way for even more diverse and compelling stories from the Arab world.
**PEM:** What excites you most about the future of “Dhay”?
**Haitham Dabour:**
We’re thrilled to share this story with the world. We believe “Dhay” has the potential to spark conversations, inspire hearts, and ultimately leave a lasting impact on audiences of all backgrounds.
**The Masterfully Crafted World of “Dhay”**
“Dhay” promises to be a cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll, showcasing the raw talent of its cast and crew and the captivating beauty of Egypt’s cultural landscape.
We encourage readers to learn more about the red Sea Film Festival and experience the magic of “Dhay” firsthand.
Let us know your thoughts on the film’s potential impact in the comments below.
For those looking to explore more about Egyptian cinema,be sure to check out our recent articles on the “Cairo Film Festival” and the “rise of self-reliant filmmakers in Egypt.”
