Private Project

Sonder - They, Next Door

A grieving boy, struggling with an alcoholic father and the harsh realities of poverty, and a privileged girl, disillusioned with her high-society lifestyle, find unexpected solace in each other when they both embark on a life-changing journey of self discovery and unexpected consequences.

  • Omar El Cherkaoui
    Director
  • Omar El Cherkaoui
    Writer
  • Fadi El Cherkaoui
    Producer
  • Omar El Cherkaoui
    Producer
  • Tala Chehayeb
    Key Cast
    "Girl"
  • Mohammad Yassine
    Key Cast
    "Boy"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Psychological Drama
  • Runtime:
    17 minutes 15 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 16, 2023
  • Country of Origin:
    Lebanon
  • Country of Filming:
    Lebanon
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Omar El Cherkaoui

Born in the historic and vibrant city of Beirut, Lebanon, Omar El Cherkaoui has always been a confluence of cultures, aspirations, and stories. At the young age of 23, he stands at a crossroads that bridges both his heritage and future, encapsulated by his life spent between Beirut and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

His early years in Beirut imprinted upon him a love for tales, both heard and seen. This passion drove him to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Communication Arts with a specialization in Radio, Television, and Cinema. The streets of Beirut, with their echoes of ancient tales and modern struggles, served as a backdrop to his academic pursuits, inspiring and challenging him in equal measure.

The shimmering city of Jeddah, in contrast, exposed Omar to a different canvas – a place where tradition meets modernity. The interplay between these two cities has greatly influenced his worldview and storytelling techniques.

Omar's goal is clear and resonates with ambition: he aspires to be a professional scriptwriter and film director. With a foot in two cities that represent both history and progress, Omar is poised to bring unique narratives to the global cinema stage. His stories will undoubtedly blend the rich heritage of the Middle East with contemporary themes, creating tales that captivate, educate, and inspire.

As he continues on this cinematic journey, Omar El Cherkaoui is a storyteller to watch, as he crafts stories that transcend borders and touch souls.

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Director Statement

My ultimate goal is to create films that deeply resonate with audiences and make a meaningful impact. I aspire to touch the hearts of viewers from all walks of life. Through my films and directorial vision, I seek to create cinematic experiences that leave a lasting impression and evoke a range of emotions in everyone who encounters my work.