“The pessimists died in the desert,” is what Eritrean refugee, Omari, (Chancela “Sean” Mongoza) says to his Israeli soccer team manager when she hears his tragic story.
This prevailing attitude from the charming and optimistic protagonist in the Israeli comedy, “Running on Sand,” lifts up everyone he encounters, including us, the audience.
Omari has been working in Israel illegally ever since he walked the desert from his Eritrean homeland. Now, after five years, he’s about to be deported when his place of employment is raided. But just as he is about to board the plane, he takes the opportunity to flee and runs into a life changing situation. He gets mistaken for a Nigerian soccer star who has signed with a struggling Israeli team—all of whom are waiting at the airport to greet him. Omari leans into the situation, which comes with a huge salary, a penthouse apartment and a host of other perks. Only one problem—he can’t play soccer very well, though he can run like the wind.
Please login or subscribe to view the complete article.