The highly anticipated silent drama feature film Abdo and Saniya, directed by Omar Bakry, will make its world premiere as part of the prestigious Arab Spectacular program at the fourth Red Sea International Film Festival. The event, taking place from December 5th to 14th in the vibrant Al Balad District — a UNESCO World Heritage site in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia — promises to be a significant moment for the film and its filmmakers.
Abdo and Saniya tells the compelling story of an Egyptian farming couple who, with no knowledge of English or understanding of American culture, navigate life in New York City. Illiterate and unfamiliar with their surroundings, the couple faces immense challenges in their pursuit of a cure for their infertility. Their naivety makes them vulnerable in the fast-paced, cutthroat environment of the city. Yet, driven by an unyielding will to survive, they rise from a life of poverty and homelessness to endure the grueling and unforgiving world of restaurant kitchens.
Director Omar Bakry reflects on his film, saying, "Audiences today aren't often exposed to silent films, and many have never experienced them at all. I believe there is great joy to be found in this art form if people are given the chance to embrace it. My goal was to tell a contemporary story using this traditional style in hopes of reconnecting people with a forgotten cinematic experience."
A first-of-its-kind, Abdo and Saniya is a multicultural, silent, black-and-white art-house film. It combines elements of pantomime and opera, with a musical score that fuses Middle Eastern and Western influences, beautifully capturing the harsh realities faced by a voiceless immigrant minority in America. The film serves as a visual poem about an old traditional world gradually giving way to technological advancement and globalization.
Written and directed by Omar Bakry, who also stars as Abdo, Abdo and Saniya is a joint production between Egypt and the United States. It was produced by Mohamed Hefzy of Film Clinic, Jaselle Martino of Chaconia Pictures, and Inji El Gammal of Timewormz — who also plays Saniya. The talented ensemble cast includes notable names such as Roger Hendricks Simon (Wall Street II, Love in Kilnerry), Marlene Villafane (Rhapsody in Justice), Ahmed Khaled (White Sugar), Haythem Noor (Law & Order: SVU), Katharine McLeod (Law and Order), and Guy LeMonnier (Gotham, Lioness).
The film's crew features celebrated cinematographer Vicente Roxas, with a score composed by Alexandre Azaria (The Transporter franchise, Lockout). Bakry and Salah Anwar, who is known for his work on the third season of the Emmy-nominated show Ramy, both serve as editors. The film’s production design was crafted by art directors Nihal Farouk and Mohamed Mekha, with costume design by Yanlisa Rafferty and Nermine Said.
Omar Bakry, born in Sweden and raised in Egypt, moved to New York in 2007 to study film at the New York Film Academy. A seasoned filmmaker and theater director, Bakry has written and directed several projects, including Aggression and His Man, through his production company Timewormz. He has also made a mark in the theater world, with plays like Black Was the Day, Kind Were the Heartbeats, which premiered at Lincoln Center in 2017, and Superman and Serena, selected for the NYC Winterfest and performed at the Hudson Guild Theater. His play BRB recently won the Urban Stages Acronyms Ten-Minute Play Competition.
Film Clinic, a key production partner, is renowned for its exceptional track record in both award-winning art-house films and commercial blockbusters. Their impressive portfolio includes films like Feathers (Critics Week grand prize winner), Voy! Voy! Voy! (a box-office hit), and Hajjan (Toronto International Film Festival entry). The company also made history by producing Egypt’s first film to compete at the Venice Film Festival in 12 years, Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo.
Abdo and Saniya promises to be a groundbreaking film experience that transcends borders and cultures, offering a fresh take on the immigrant story while reviving the powerful tradition of silent cinema. Its world premiere at the Red Sea International Film Festival will surely be a moment to remember for cinephiles and filmmakers alike.