ONCE A WOMAN

Synopsis: The title of the film is a Sudanese phrase which translates literally into “the rooster’s sleep”; figuratively it refers to a person who tries to sleep standing, trapped between a state of slumber and wakefulness, limbo. Such is the reality of Sudanese refugees living in Cairo. The film is an ode to all refugees in the world, who are searching for a sense of identity and belonging, who are struggling to live with hope. Through multiple diverse and complex characters from Sudan, an intricate mosaic of their lives unfolds, painting a vivid reality of what it is like to be a refugee.

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Director’s biography: Seif Abdalla is an Egyptian-American filmmaker, born in Alexandria. He studied at the Los Angeles Film School. He made experimental short films that got him recognition in the festival circuit and won him a few awards. Upon his return to his home country, he traveled around Egypt filming and editing short films on his own. He made “Norhan”, a meditative journey into a decaying consciousness, which got accepted in the short film corner in Cannes 2016. Noum El Deek marks his feature documentary debut.