Simsim

To break free from a forced marriage, Simsim hunts for her own replacement, but what she finds instead is her true self.

Director:
Sondos Al-Smerat

Genre:
Drama, Dark Comedy

Year:
2025

Duration:
82 minutes

Rating:
PG

Country:
Jordan

Language:
Arabic

Subtitling:
English, Sign Language

Screenplay: Tamara G. Owais

Cast: Saja Kilani, Majd Eid, Yasmine Dalou, Jouana Arida, Emran Enouz, Areej Dababneh, Merna Mohammad, Khoulod Muhaisen, Islam Awadi

Cinematography: Ali Darabseh

Editing: Abdallah Sa'adeh

Production: Noamani Art Production -- Qais Noamani, Co-Production: Slate Film Services -- Khaled Haddad

Début Status: World Première

Film Eligibility: Sondos Smeirat is a first-time director | Saja Kilani is a first-time lead actress | Tamara G. Owais is a first-time screenwriter

Synopsis

At 26, Simsim is determined to break free from a marriage she never chose. Restless and self-assured, she uses her job at a photography studio not just to support her daughter and mother, but as a space to flirt, connect, and reclaim her sense of self. Though estranged from her husband Qasem, he refuses to grant her a divorce. When he finally agrees -- on the bizarre condition that she finds him a new wife, Simsim dives headfirst into a surreal journey. However, as her quest spirals, she begins to confront her own contradictions and discovers that real freedom means more than just escape.

Director’s biography

Sondos Dheeb Hassan Al-Smerat was born in the city of Irbid, Jordan. She graduated with honors from Yarmouk University in 2022, majoring in Drama and Filmmaking. She studied under a distinguished faculty composed of highly professional instructors, many of whom are members of the Jordanian Artists Association---an organization she is also a proud member of. Sondos began her artistic journey by directing and producing short films, many of which received numerous awards at local and international film festivals. She also participated in several training workshops organized by the Royal Film Commission -- Jordan.