Chosen by 100 J-WAVE Listener-Judges: Belgian Film 'Samia' Wins the J-WAVE SOUND OF CINEMA AWARD at SSFF & ASIA 2026

'Samia' Wins the J-WAVE SOUND OF CINEMA AWARD

Radio station J-WAVE has supported the Short Shorts Film Festival & ASIA (SSFF & ASIA), an Academy Award-accredited, major international short film festival in Asia, since 2008. At SSFF & ASIA 2026, the J-WAVE SOUND OF CINEMA AWARD has been awarded to 'Samia,' a short film directed by Selma Alaoui and Bruno Tracq of Belgium.

The J-WAVE SOUND OF CINEMA AWARD recognizes short films in which 'sound'—including music, singing, voice, audio, and instruments—plays a unique and effective role. 100 J-WAVE listener-judges evaluated and scored the works from perspectives including sound design, production quality, message, originality, and storytelling.

### Reasons for the Award The hypnotic rhythm carved out by traditional Moroccan Gnawa music and the sudden silences that punctuate it. The film invites viewers on a dreamlike emotional journey that lingers in the heart long after the final scene. Listeners highly praised the film's captivating sound design, striking imagery, and moving exploration of themes such as memory, family, loss, and identity. Accompanied by music that transcends time and space, 'Samia' has become an unforgettable experience for J-WAVE listeners.

### Film Details - Title: 'Samia' - Directors: Selma Alaoui & Bruno Tracq - Country of Production: Belgium - Running Time: 20:00 - Genre: Drama

### Synopsis Samia, led by Farhan whom she has just met, visits an apartment where a Moroccan music concert is being held. In the lively gathering, Samia briefly forgets that she had attended her father's funeral earlier that day, whom she had not known. However, immediately after leaving the apartment, she realizes she left her wallet behind. Upon returning, neighbors tell her that no one has lived there for decades.

### Director Profiles - **Bruno Tracq**: A screenwriter, director, and editor based in Brussels. His documentary 'Ma Voix t’Accompagnera' (Arte, Netflix, Disney+) won the Best Documentary Award at Camerimage. - **Selma Alaoui**: Actor, screenwriter, and director who studied at INSAS. She is active in theater, film, and television, with appearances in 'Une sœur' (Academy Award nominated) and 'Quitter la nuit' (Venice Film Festival).

### Acceptance Comment "We are very honored that 'Samia' has won the J-WAVE SOUND OF CINEMA AWARD. It is deeply moving for us that a story born in Europe, while influenced by North African roots, has reached Japan through music and sound, and resonated with the audience here.

In the production of this film, the soundtrack played a crucial role. We paid close attention to the sonic world, particularly by incorporating Gnawa music, which we wanted to become the soul of the film. This allowed us to create a space where love, sadness, memory, and invisible forces can coexist, leading both characters and the audience on an emotional journey.

Receiving this award from J-WAVE listeners has made its significance even deeper for us. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the festival organizers, the jury, and the Japanese audience."

### Screening Information The film is scheduled to be screened at the J-WAVE SOUND OF CINEMA AWARD screening event to be held at Takanawa Gateway City on Saturday, May 30th.