The trailer has launched for Adar Shafran‘s drama-comedy “Running on Sand,” which is being sold worldwide by Picture Tree International, ahead of the Israeli film’s international premiere at Palm Springs Film Festival (Jan. 4-15). It is released in Israel on Thursday by United King Films.
The film centers on Aumari (played by Chansela Mongoza), a young Eritrean refugee living in Israel, who is about to be deported back to his home country. After a spontaneous escape attempt at the airport, he is mistaken for a Nigerian striker, who is supposed to arrive at the same time.
Aumari seizes the opportunity and benefits from his new identity as the key acquisitions for the team of Maccabi Netanya. Despite the absence of any soccer talent, he is able to cover-up and heal the divisions of his struggling team, while a tender romantic bond with the charmingly unconventional daughter of the patriarchal team owner is growing.
The film is Shafran’s feature debut. He made his name in the music industry, and has established a track record as a producer with films such as “The Wedding Plan,” which premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2016, and sold widely including key territories like France, Italy, the U.K. and Germany, as well as primetime TV series “Fire Dance,” which won the award for best acting performance at Series Mania in 2022.
“Running on Sand” was written by Asaf Zelicovich, Yoav Hebel and Sarel Piterman, and is produced by Firma Films, United King Films and Rommel Films. Moshe Edery, Roni Abramowsky, Shafran and Peter Rommel are the producers. It had support from the Israeli Film Fund, Keshet 12, Mifal Hapais, United King and Rami Levi.
The main cast includes Chansela Mongoza (Aumari), Kimor Azulay (Neta), Zvika Hadar (Shimi) and Michael Kabia Ahroni (Nigel).
