The film “40 Days,” directed by Peter Tekla, has clinched the Best Actress award at the Authentic Global Film Festival in California. Renowned for a jury comprised of Academy Award and Grammy-winning artists, the festival saw “40 Days” compete against high-budget American commercial productions. Despite the fierce competition, the film’s universal theme resonated deeply, securing a major win for the production.
A Gripping Tale of Survival
“40 Days” shines a spotlight on the perils of illegal migration. Inspired by a true story written by and starring Mira Victor, the narrative follows a couple on a treacherous escape across seven different borders while the wife is pregnant. The journey, based on a real-life tragedy involving migrants from Upper Egypt in 2023, explores the harrowing reality of those seeking the “American Dream” through high-risk routes.
The film is directed by Peter Tekla and produced by Wael Nazmi, Lilly Bens, and Media Avenue. It stars Hossam Dagher and Mira Victor, alongside Avram Awad and Aman Dhaliwal. A notable special appearance was made by Mrs. Theresa Sisi, who appeared as herself, alongside an international ensemble cast from Egypt, India, Pakistan, Armenia, and Japan.
Best Actress: A Tribute to Egypt
Upon receiving her award, Mira Victor expressed her gratitude, stating:
“This honor is for Egypt, as this entire project was fueled by our love for our country. I am immensely proud that ’40 Days’ stood strong among major American and international films at such a prestigious Hollywood festival.”
She added that the film deeply moved fellow filmmakers and attendees from diverse backgrounds, many of whom felt the story represented their own family histories as migrants.
“The success of the film, particularly with American audiences, was a wonderful surprise. While awards are not the sole measure of success, I truly believed that faith could move mountains. The encouragement and prayers of those around me were the driving force behind this achievement.”
The festival’s distinguished jury included Oscar-winning writer and producer Nick Vallelonga, Grammy-winning producer Theron Feemster, director Scott Rosenfelt, former Fox network executive Lana Link, and actress Zelina Cooper.
U.S. Tour and Premiere
Following its celebrated premiere in Los Angeles, which was attended by the full cast and artist Ramy Ghaith, “40 Days” is set for a special screening tour across several U.S. states. The 90-minute thriller follows Naguib and his wife Maryam as they navigate life-threatening obstacles from Central America to the U.S.-Mexico border.
Upcoming Screenings:
• New York: June 21 at the Alpine Cinema.
• Houston, Texas: July 12.
• San Francisco: July 19.
• Followed by additional dates in various cities.
Hossam Dagher: A Passionate Sacrifice
Leading man Hossam Dagher shared his pride in the project, noting that the premiere was a milestone he had long awaited since production began last September. Dagher was so captivated by the script that he turned down a major advertising campaign and a lead role in an Egyptian film to participate.
“When I read the script by Mira Victor, I was immediately drawn to its depth. As Alfred Hitchcock said, you need three things for a good film: the script, the script, and the script,” Dagher remarked.
Reflecting on his role, he explained:
“I wanted to convey the harsh reality and the terrifying conditions that force people to undertake such risky journeys for a better future. My character, Naguib, travels with his pregnant wife, encountering others along the way—like an elderly Indian couple searching for their missing son who took the same path before them. The film is rich with human experiences, from those who have attempted the crossing multiple times to those seeking legal asylum.”
Dagher also praised the “unsung heroes” behind the camera, including Pakistani Cinematographer Shahan Raou and his team, the production crew at Media Avenue, and the diverse directorial team including Anna Ki (South Korea), Justin Li (China), and Omar Al-Shaer (Jordan), as well as composer Remon Sakr and costume designer Sandra Iskander.
