Alwan - My award-winning short film
Alwan is my first animated short, completed in 2024. It’s a story about friendship, creativity, and the transformative power of imagination.
The film has been celebrated at international festivals, earning multiple awards and recognition along the way.
What began as a self-initiated challenge evolved into a meaningful exploration of identity and storytelling. Beyond its success, Alwan was also a turning point for me personally and artistically.
The film reflects my own experience of growing up queer in the Middle East - an isolating journey that shaped the way I see the world. Through Alwan, I wanted to capture that sense of loneliness while also offering a message of hope and possibility.
Below you’ll find the film, the story, the making process, the recognition, and more.
Meet Alwan
Alwan is a cheerful yet lonely child, used to feeling left out and longing for a friend.
When a mysterious yellow box appears, his world shifts in unexpected ways. What follows is a heartfelt journey full of emotion, surprises, and the quiet magic that imagination can bring.
“Alwan” means “Colours” in Arabic. So, beyond a name for the main character, as a title, it is also symbolic of the powerful, creative and queer messaging within the story
Motionographer
“Through expressive illustrations and thoughtful storytelling, Alwan creates an immersive experience that evokes emotion while delivering a meaningful
and uplifting message.”
Festivals & Awards
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Dreamers of Dreams Film Festival (UK) – Winner
Experimental, Dance & Music Film Festival (USA) – Winner
Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival (Greece) – Winner
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Cine Pobre Film Festival (Mexico) – Nominee
TMFF – The Monthly Film Festival (UK) – Nominee
Feel the Reel International Film Festival (UK) – Nominee
Greenwich Film Festival (UK) – Nominee
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ANIMINSPO (UK)
Cardiff Mini Film Festival (UK)
Dreamers of Dreams Film Festival (UK)
Feel the Reel International Film Festival (UK)
FilmPride – Brighton & Hove Pride LGBTQIA+ Film Festival (UK)
Greenwich Film Festival (UK)
Homegrown Shorts (UK)
Manchester Animation Festival (UK)
Scottish Queer International Film Festival (UK)
Super Shorts Hackney (UK)
TMFF – The Monthly Film Festival (UK)
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Athens ANIMFEST (Greece)
Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival (Greece)
Beirut International Children and Family Film Festival (Lebanon)
Cine Pobre Film Festival (Mexico)
Experimental, Dance & Music Film Festival (USA)
Festival du Film Merveilleux & Imaginaire (France)
Madrid Indie Film Festival – MADRIFF (Spain)
Sweaty Eyeballs Animation Festival (USA)
Idea & concept
A look at how I conceived and brought Alwan to life, and what it means to me.
The Making Of
A set of behind the scenes videos exploring the process, inspiration, and techniques behind Alwan.
Storytelling
How the story of Alwan took shape, and the inspirations that guided it.
Character design
My approach to character design and why it is so central to storytelling.
The power of colour
How I used colour to capture emotion and spark imagination in the film.
Storyboards
Here’s a selection of key frames from my storyboards, capturing the early stages of how Alwan’s story and visuals started to come together.
Watch Alwan
Alwan has been a labour of love, and I’m proud to share it with you. Thank you for watching, supporting, and celebrating this little film.