Beyond The Raging Sea Screens within the Egyptian Panorama Section at the Cairo International Film Festival

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With Omar Samra and Omar Nour in Attendance

Beyond The Raging Sea Screens within the Egyptian Panorama Section at the Cairo International Film Festival


Marco Orsini's action-adventure documentary Beyond the Raging Sea, will screen in the Egyptian Panorama section of the 41st Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) November 20-29. The film will screen on Sunday, November 24, at the Creative Center, Cairo Opera House, at 09:30 PM, followed by a Q&A with Omar Samra and Omar Nour.

Beyond the Raging Sea, which had its World Premiere at this year's El Gouna Film Festival, follows the harrowing tale of two Egyptian adventurers, Omar Samra and Omar Nour, as they take on the world's toughest row, an unsupported, perilous 3,000 nautical mile journey from the Canary Islands to Antigua. The extreme journey is part of an annual ocean-rowing race called the Atlantic Challenge.

Eight days, and 500 miles into their journey across the Atlantic, Team O2 were hit by 45 knot winds and towering waves that caused their boat to capsize - their boat did not self-right as it was meant to do. The 12 hours that followed, deserted and floating in the rough seas in a small rubber raft before they were rescued by a cargo ship which re-routed in answer to their mayday call, became a survival story of epic proportions.

Sponsored by DHL, and in collaboration with UNHCR and UNDP, Beyond the Raging Sea is the gripping account of that experience narrated by those who lived it, capturing what they endured, what they felt and what it meant. In this film. Team O2 dedicated their row to raising awareness of the global refugee crises after ironically facing the same dangers, terrors and decisions of those extraordinary people in exceptional circumstance, navigating existential threats and grueling ordeals, fighting for survival and what comes after
"When we first decided to partner with the Omars it was because they not only represented some of our own values of can do and passion, but because their cause - the plight of refugees in need, is something that a global company like DHL cares deeply about," says Ken Allen, CEO of DHL Express. "This film, which documents their incredible journey, brings this story of bravery and rescue to life but, more than that, it gives a voice to thousands who are unable to speak on an international stage. We are incredibly proud to be a part of that."

"In 2018, six lives were lost on average in the Mediterranean every day. In a way, this documentary gives a voice to those who have been silenced while looking for safety and protection outside of their borders. It is our duty to tell their story and encourage the international community to exert every effort to put an end to this tragic loss of life," said Mr. Karim Atassi, UNHCR Egypt Representative.

Nour and Samra are world-class athletes. Omar Nour is a retired professional athlete, serial entrepreneur and motivational speaker. Nour was the first Egyptian professional triathlete in history, representing his country on the Olympic triathlon circuit from 2010 - 2016.
Omar Samra is an adventurer, mountaineer, entrepreneur, inspirational speaker and future astronaut. He is the first Egyptian to climb Mount Everest and the 7 Summits and ski to both the Geographic South and North Pole (The Explorer's Grand Slam).

Beyond the Raging Sea, is written and directed by Marco Orsini, who produced in collaboration with DHL, IEFTA, UNHCR, and UNDP, with Executive Producers Omar Nour, Omar Samra, and John Giwa-Amu. The film’s original music is composed by George Acogny.

Beyond the Raging Sea had a sold out premiere at the El Gouna Film Festival and was praised by the celebrities, public figures, and media who attended its screening. It was presented as a work in progress in the Doc Corner of the Marché du Film at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. MAD Solutions will distribute Beyond the Raging Sea to theaters coming soon throughout the Arab World.

This year's Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) will screen over 150 feature, documentary and short films, including 30 world or international premieres. The Festival will also screen a number of international award-winning films.