Syrian Refugee-Made Film ‘For Sama’ Wins A BAFTA

The eye-opening Middle Eastern movie took home the award for Best Documentary last night

Acclaimed Syrian film For Sama took home the award for the Best Documentary at the 73rd British Film Academy Awards last night and we couldn’t be more proud. The movie, which was filmed in its entirety inside a besieged Aleppo depicts the heart wrenching tale of the film’s producer Waad Al-Kateab from a first-hand perspective.

For Sama, which has already been awarded the Prix L’Oeil D’Or at the Cannes Film Festival as well as four trophies at the British Independent Film Awards is considered the most nominated documentary in BAFTA history and the award of the BAFTA furthered Waad’s intention for the film: to spread awareness about the distressing situation in Syria.

We won DOCUMENTARY OF THE YEAR by London Critics’ Circle Film Award We are so honored and happy that Afraa the amazing woman attended the ceremony for the first time in the UK. @forsamafilm @londoncritics I miss you and so happy to see you all in the picture @hamzaalkateab @hashemafraa @mowaffaqsafadi Siobhan and @ween79

A post shared by Waad Alkateab (@waadalkateab) on Jan 30, 2020 at 3:33pm PST

The Syrian refugee received the award with a moving acceptance speech, which drew attention to the plight of the Syrian people and brought celebs to tears.

“I know it’s so hard, but this award, it’s for the great Syrian people who are still suffering until today, and the great heroes – doctors, nurses, civil defence, so many other people, volunteers, from Molham Team to Violet – many other people,” said Waad. “Please,” she continued. “I dedicate this award to them.  Let them hear your voice. Thank you so much.”

Watch Waad’s full acceptance speech below: