The official screening of the Egyptian film Yomeddine at the Cannes Film Festival concluded with a standing ovation for its director Abu Bakr Shawky and producer Dina Emam.

The film follows the journey of a middle-aged man from a leprosy colony, a young orphaned boy, and a donkey. The road trip-themed film tackles different types of discrimination, and also a vast array of acceptance.

Shawky and Imam were received by festival officials at the red carpet before the official screening, a tradition of the festival. The two actors, Rady Gamal and Ahmed Abdelhafiz, were “unfortunately” unable to attend the premier, due to “bureaucratic issues,” according to the director.

The press screenings of the film were at capacity, and it was positively received by audiences.