Sharjah, UAE – October 29, 2023: The 10th Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth, which took place in the city of Sharjah, UAE, from October 22nd to the 28th, culminated with the recognition of Soudade Kaadan’s Syrian drama, “NEZOUH,” as the Best Feature Film.
“NEZOUH,” a recently released drama in Egypt and Qatar, explores the backdrop of the Syrian conflict, particularly its impact on the life of 14-year-old Zeina, whose world is shattered when a missile destroys the roof of her home. This tragedy forces her to sleep under the open sky for the first time and leads to an unlikely friendship with her neighbor, Amer.
As the violence in Syria escalates, Zeina’s mother, Hala, makes the difficult decision to leave, triggering a heated dispute with her husband, Motaz, who adamantly opposes becoming a refugee and strives to prevent their family from leaving their home.
The film, both written and directed by Soudade Kaadan, features a talented cast including Kinda Alloush, Samir Al-Masri, Hala Zein, and Nizar Alani. Production credits go to Berkeley Media Group Limited, KAF Production, and Agat Films & Cie. MK2 Films holds worldwide distribution rights, while MAD Solutions manages Arab world sales.
“NEZOUH” has been showcased at over 20 film festivals, including the Venice International Film Festival, where it received the Orizzonti Extra Audience Award and became the first Arab film to win this recognition. The film also received the Lanterna Magica Award from the Cinecircoli Giovanili Socioculturali.
It has further been featured at various film festivals, including Mostra de València – Cinema Del Mediterrani, Girls on Film Awards, Madrid Films by Women, the Official Competition of the International Film Festival of India, and the Red Sea International Film Festival.
“NEZOUH” has been recognized with accolades such as the Amnesty International Award at the MedFilm Festival in Morocco and nominations at the BFI London Film Festival. Hala Zein’s performance earned her nominations for Best Effects and Best Lead Performance at the British Independent Film Awards.
Soudade Kaadan, a Syrian director originally from France, holds a distinguished reputation in the world of cinema. She studied theater criticism at the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts and graduated from the Institut des Etudes Scénique, Audiovisuelles, et Cinématographiques (IESAV) of Saint Joseph University in Lebanon. Her debut feature film, “THE DAY I LOST MY SHADOW,” received accolades such as the Lion of the Future Award at the Orizzonti Competition of the Venice Film Festival and the Jury Prize at the LA Festival. In 2019, her short film, “AZIZA,” earned the Sundance Grand Jury Prize.
“NEZOUH” continues to captivate audiences and garner accolades worldwide, cementing Soudade Kaadan’s position as a notable figure in the world of cinema.
