Qatari short film wins 25 global honours

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, November 1, 2026

Qatari director Noor al-Nasr’s short film SANAD has won 25 awards at 50 international film festivals, including top honors for Best Short Film and Best Screenplay. The film’s widespread recognition underscores the growing global impact of Qatari cinema and highlights universal themes of sibling relationships and support.

A Qatari short film titled SANAD, directed by Noor al-Nasr, has garnered international acclaim, winning 25 awards across 50 film festivals worldwide. The film’s success highlights both its artistic merit and the expanding global presence of Qatari storytelling.

SANAD centers on the relationship between two brothers, Ali and Jassim, whose playful prank escalates into a cycle of retaliation before reaching a turning point that tests their bond. The narrative weaves together elements of humor, tension, and affection, exploring themes of sibling rivalry, loyalty, and support. The film’s title, which translates from Arabic as "support," reflects the emotional foundation of the story as well as the collaborative effort behind its production.

The short has received several notable honors, including Best Short Film awards at the London Independent Film Awards and the Sweden Film Awards, as well as Best Screenplay at the Milano Indie Movie Awards. It has also been showcased at prestigious festivals such as the Sarajevo Film Festival, Mexico’s Guanajuato International Film Festival, and the Dhaka International Film Festival. Within the region, the film was selected for the Ajyal Film Festival held in Doha.

Al-Nasr expressed that her inspiration for SANAD came from an interest in capturing meaningful moments within everyday human experiences, particularly the complexities of sibling dynamics marked by teasing and competition but ultimately grounded in protection and care. She emphasized the collective nature of filmmaking, attributing much of the film’s success to the dedication of the cast, crew, and support from the Doha Film Institute.

The director views the international recognition not only as a series of accolades but also as an opportunity to connect diverse audiences through a story rooted in a specific cultural context yet resonant across boundaries. SANAD represents a significant step in al-Nasr’s ongoing career, which spans film, theatre, and visual arts, all aimed at exploring human connections and storytelling’s unifying power.

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