Hend Sabri‘s appearance at the 76th Cannes Film Festival was all about championing homegrown talent.
Photo: Karl Dagher via Instagram.com/alikaroui
This weekend, the actor touched down in the French Riviera for the premiere of her competing film Les Filles d’Olfa (Four Daughters), which is directed by fellow Tunisian Kaouther Ben Hania. To mark the special occasion, Sabri looked to another Tunisian creative for her outfit and walked the red carpet in a stunning pink number by Ali Karoui.
Photo: Karl Dagher via Instagram.com/alikaroui
Sabri’s pick of choice designed by the Dubai-based couturier was a custom silk faille gown covered entirely in hand-embroidered Swarovski crystals, featuring an off-the-shoulder neckline, and a floor-grazing train. The dazzling creation made for the perfect outfit for Sabri’s first red carpet appearance at this year’s festival as the protagonist of Ben Hania’s documentary, Olfa Hamrouni. The star paired the romantic dress with silver high jewelry from Cartier, while her glam for the big day veered from her usually favored boldness to a softer and more glowing look.
Les Filles d’Olfa is the only Arab entry in this year’s official competition and is being praised for Ben Hania’s unique combination of documentary and fiction to tell the story of Hamrouni and her four daughters, two of whom left to fight for Daesh. When asked if casting Sabri as Hamrouni would have taken the spotlight away from the mother, Ben Hania stated, “She [Hamrouni] thought that finally, people would believe her! Olfa thinks that no one has ever believed her because she isn’t famous. This great actress would finally bring her the credibility that she needed so that her story could finally be heard. Thanks to Hend Sabri, she would finally be listened to with respect.”
Sabri walked the red carpet in Cannes with Ben Hania, Hamrouni and her two kids, as well as the actors who played the missing daughters. The film also received a standing ovation following its premiere at the festival.
