The Saudi Film Festival Awards

1 – Jury Prize – Best Film

According to the festival jury, the best entry was “And When Do I Sleep? by Husam al-Sayed. This is a dreamlike adventure in which Adam, an insomniac, tries to follow the night calls of a female voice, without really knowing whether he is awake or in a dream.

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10 years ago I couldn't sleep for a month. and I wrote the film's idea and it went to slumber. little did I know it was the seed that planted "And When Do I Sleep?" Today I celebrate with everyone its first prize golden palm award at the @saudifilmfestival. I remember the night before this take. I gave you a track by @thiswilldestroyyoumusic and asked you to listen to just that. and to give me every feeling in that track. and you did everything beyond my expectations. I remember chocking behind the camera when I said cut. and I remember the tears on every one's face and mine. Thank you @fmhusein for being the most emotionally intelligent actress I've ever worked with. every scene with you was a breeze. and it has to do with everything that you do and take to heart. I'm glad I didn't listen to anyone who told me to explore my options for casting this role. no one could do it the way you did and the way I saw it.

A post shared by Husam AlSayed (@filmhead) on Sep 7, 2020 at 8:01am PDT

2 – Jury Prize – Best Documentary

“The Village”, by Mohammed al-Hammadi, won the prize for best documentary according to the jury. The film documents the life of a small village in the province of Al-Qatif, located on the Persian Gulf.

3 – Audience Award – Best Film

As for the spectators, they honored “Hajb”, by Mohammed Atabani, which means “blocked” or “hidden”, as the best film.

4 – Audience Award – Best Documentary

On the documentary side, they chose to award the prize to “Talal in Dakar”, which follows the participation of Talal el Badr in the Dakar 2020.