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L'Okapi
Samir Essa
Short Film Screening Block
Across Differences
Deep in the wilderness, a Congolese refugee's unresolved legal status slowly unravels his bond with his well-meaning partner.
Premiere Status:
Ontario Premiere
About the Director
Samir Essa is an Egyptian-Canadian filmmaker based in Montreal. He recently completed his short film L'Okapi, shot entirely in Quebec. Samir's previous short, Red Velvet (2017), screened at the Cairo International Film Festival, the Montreal World Film Festival, and numerous international festivals. Samir aims to develop bold, character-driven genre cinema that explores immigrant narratives, family rupture, and moral ambiguity grounded in local realities and cultural specificity. He is currently preparing his debut horror feature, Karya.
Running Time
14:00
Language
French
Country
Canada, Egypt
Producers
Samir Essa, Joseph Motwashleh
Cast
Chloe Desire, Cedric Keka
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