The premiere was held on Sunday night, April 3, at Cinema Akil,, in the presence of the film’s director and a slew of members of the press and media personas of different nationalities.
Following the screening, the audience interacted with director Ely Dagher during a Q&A discussion.
To book the tickets, head to: https://www.cinemaakil.com/now-showing-booking/34/The-Sea-Ahead
The film has gained critical acclaim on both the Arab and international levels, with Middle East Eye's Joseph Fahim describing it as, “The Sea Ahead remains one of the most striking Arab debuts of the year.”
while Cineuropa writer Kaleem Aftab, describing the film as saying, “It takes us on a cinematic journey that echoes work by Michelangelo Antonioni and his view of depression.
” Moreover, Chafic Tabbara in Al-Akhbar described the film as, “With its marvelous scriptwriting, visuals and sounds, Ely Dagher’s work managed to capture us.”
Cinema Akil is an independent cinema platform that brings quality films from across the world to the audiences in the UAE. Through showcasing timeless film and outstanding examples of cinematic history, Cinema Akil aims to create awareness and interest in film and the cinematic arts.
‘The Sea Ahead,’ landed its world premiere at the 74th Cannes Film Festival’s Directors’ Fortnight. Furthermore, The Sea Ahead is Ely Dagher’s first feature film who previously won the Palme d’Or award for a short film, making him the first Lebanese film to ever receive such an award.
‘The Sea Ahead,’ has garnered multiple awards throughout its development including Best Film in Post-production at the Final Cut In Venice workshop; CineGouna platform’s award for best project in development phase; and a financial award from Drosos Foundation, in addition to grants from AFAC-Arab Funds For Arts and Culture, Doha Film Institute, Red Sea Fund among others.
The film follows Jana, who returns to Beirut after having been away for a long time. Suddenly, she finds herself reconnecting with the familiar yet strange life she had once left behind.
Directed and written by Ely Dagher, ‘The Sea Ahead,’ is his first feature debut, stars Manal Issa, Yara Abou Haidar, Rabih El Zaher and Roger Azar.
The film is produced by Andolfi Production (Arnaud Dommerc), in association with Beachside, and co-produced by Abbout Productions (Myriam Sassine); Wrong Men and Beaver and Beaver.
The film is distributed in the Arab world by MAD Solutions.
Beirut based Ely Dagher graduated with an MA in Contemporary Art Studies and New media from Goldsmiths College in London.
His work explores the correlation and possibilities created through the play between cultures, histories and fiction.
