Bahraini Short Film Wins Best International Award at Spain’s Almería Film Festival

Bahraini cinema continues to make its mark on the global stage. The short film “An Excuse More Beautiful Than a Sin,” directed by Hashim Sharaf, has earned the Best International Short Film Award at the 15th Almería Film Festival in Spain — one of Europe’s most respected platforms for short-form storytelling. 

Beating over 30 international entries from Europe, Asia, and the Americas, the film stood out for its originality and emotional depth. The festival jury praised the project as “a unique story with smart direction, skillfully representing all segments of society through a human comedy that resonates across cultures.”

This prestigious award the festival’s highest international honor marks a significant milestone for Bahraini cinema, showcasing its growing artistic confidence, creativity, and global relevance.

Produced with support from the Isa Cultural Centre grant and filmed in Manama, An Excuse More Beautiful Than a Sin tells a whimsical yet thought-provoking story of a young man’s attempt to bring a horse up a narrow apartment staircase. The act sparks humor, chaos, and reflection among neighbors, creating a metaphor for ambition, absurdity, and the dreams hidden within everyday life.

Since its debut, the film has toured prestigious festivals across Norway, Morocco, Indonesia, and Cyprus, winning nine international awards to date including the Golden Palm for Best Gulf Film at the Saudi Film Festival and the Silver Sail Award at the Gulf Radio and Television Festival. It is also slated to compete in upcoming events in London, the United States, Algeria, Morocco, and Kuwait.

Director Hashim Sharaf shared that the film’s concept stemmed from a deeply human observation: “An excuse can sometimes be more beautiful than a sin.” He explained that the story symbolizes how mistakes can conceal dreams worth pursuing, adding, “Through irony and realism, I wanted to explore the fragile beauty of everyday life and how even small stories can carry universal meaning.”

With this win, An Excuse More Beautiful Than a Sin not only cements Sharaf’s place as one of Bahrain’s most promising filmmakers but also underscores the region’s rising voice in global cinema. Through heart, humor, and humanity, the film reaffirms that authentic storytelling transcends borders.