JIFF: Running on Sand

The Story

Australian Premiere

"The movie hits the sweet spot between a truly light-hearted comedy and a real drama…and a heartfelt message about treating people with respect, no matter where they are from." The Jerusalem Post

Aumari, a young Eritrean refugee living in Israel, is about to be deported back to his home country. After a spontaneous escape attempt at the airport, Aumari is erroneously assumed by Maccabi Netanya fans to be their new Nigerian soccer star. With no sporting talent but hailed as a hero, he unites and uplifts the floundering squad, while hiding his true identity. Amid their quest for victory, he finds himself falling for the team owner's daughter, all the while risking exposure.

Nominated for four Israeli Oscars including Best Film, and winning the Audience Award at both the Palm Springs International Film Festival and the Boca International Jewish Film Festival, Running on Sand sweetly melds humour and heart, shedding light on the unseen and unheard in Israeli society.

Festivals and Awards
Winner - Audience Award, Palm Springs International Film Festival, 2024
Winner - Best Debut Film, Best Screenplay, Haifa International Film Festival, 2023

Rating

Unclassified 15+

Duration

104 min

Cast

Chansela Mongoza, Kim Or Azulay, Tzvika Hadar, Michael Kabia Aharoni

Director

Adar Shafran