Running on Sand

In Running On Sand, Omari, an Eritrean refugee, is about to be deported after five years of working as a dishwasher in Tel Aviv; but just as he arrives at the airport and about to be put on a flight home, he manages to flee. As he looks for a way out of the airport he is mistaken for a famous Nigerian soccer star arriving to play for the Maccabi Netanya team. Despite the absence of any soccer talent, Omari is able to cover-up and heal the divisions of his struggling team, while a tender romantic bond with the charmingly unconventional daughter of the team owner is growing.

The movie hits the sweet spot between a truly light-hearted comedy and a real drama, with engaging characters you care about, and funny situations. The film has a strong narrative and a heartfelt message about treating people with respect, no matter where they are from.

SPONSORED BY:
Royal Bank of Canada

Festivals and Awards

• Winner: Best Debut Film, Haifa International Film Festival, 2023
• Winner: Best Screenplay, Haifa International Film Festival, 2023
• Winner: Audience Choice Award (Best Future), Stony Brook Film Festival, 2024
• Winner: Audience Award (Best Narrative Feature), San Francisco Jewish Film Festival, 2024
• Nominee: Best Film, Awards of the Israeli Film Academy, 2023