Bahraini cinema has achieved a significant milestone with the short film “A Beautiful Excuse for a Deadly Sin” directed by Hashim Sharaf winning the Golden Palm award for Best Short Film in the GCC category at the 10th Saudi Film Festival. The film highlights the struggles faced by young individuals in Arab societies as they pursue their dreams while dealing with conservative societal norms. Drawing inspiration from real events, the film tells the story of a young man trying to bring a horse into his narrow apartment building, challenging his neighbors.
With a focus on acknowledging the concerns of others and not ignoring minor issues, the film emphasizes the importance of caring for one another for the benefit of the whole community. Featuring Omar Al-Saeedi and Mubarak Khamis, the film was shot in Manama over two days with the participation of over 40 local talents who believed in the film’s message. The title of the film serves as a call to action for audiences to reflect on their own excuses for not pursuing their dreams.
Despite challenges during production, such as finding a narrow building for filming and managing a large crew and a horse in a confined space, the film was successfully completed with the cooperation of the Ministry of Interior and the Traffic Department for lighting and logistical support. Winning the Golden Palm Award has brought immense joy to Hashim Sharaf, who is proud to represent Bahrain’s filmmaking community on a prominent platform. He encourages the people of Bahrain to share their stories with the world and to look around for inspiration.
In conclusion, “A Beautiful Excuse for a Deadly Sin” is a significant achievement for Bahraini cinema, shedding light on the struggles of young individuals in Arab societies. The film’s message of caring for others and not ignoring their struggles resonates with audiences, urging them to reflect on their own excuses for not pursuing their dreams. With the support of local talents and the cooperation of authorities, the film was successfully produced and has been recognized with the prestigious Golden Palm award. Hashim Sharaf’s advice to the people of Bahrain to share their stories and look around for inspiration serves as a reminder of the rich storytelling potential within the community.
