Chosen by 100 J-WAVE Listener-Judges: Belgian Film 'Samia' Wins the J-WAVE SOUND OF CINEMA AWARD at SSFF & ASIA 2026
J-WAVE awarded the 'J-WAVE SOUND OF CINEMA AWARD' for excellence in sound design to the Belgian short film 'Samia' at the Short Shorts Film Festival & ASIA (SSFF & ASIA) 2026. The film was evaluated by 100 listener-judges, who highly praised its integration of Gnawa music into a haunting soundscape.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 26, 2026 at 03:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 25, 2026 at 18:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 27, 2026 at 14:07 (43h 35m after Collected)
## '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.
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.
FAQ
「J-WAVE SOUND OF CINEMA AWARD」とはどのような賞ですか？
音楽、歌、声、音、楽器など「サウンド」がユニークで効果的な役割を果たしているショートフィルム作品に対して授与される賞です。
SSFF & ASIA 2026の「J-WAVE SOUND OF CINEMA AWARD」受賞作品は何ですか？
ベルギーのセルマ・アラウィ ＆ ブルーノ・トラック監督による短編映画『Samia（サミア）』です。
受賞理由は何ですか？
グナワ音楽を用いた催眠的な音響デザイン、印象的な映像美、そして記憶や家族、喪失感、アイデンティティを巡る胸を打つ探求が、100名のリスナー審査員から高く評価されました。
『Samia（サミア）』のあらすじを教えてください。
父の葬儀に参列したサミアが、ファルハンに導かれて音楽コンサートが開かれるアパートを訪れますが、そこは近隣住民によると何十年も誰も住んでいない場所であるという不思議な体験を描いた物語です。
受賞作の上映予定はありますか？
5月30日（土）に高輪ゲートウェイシティで開催される「J-WAVE SOUND OF CINEMA AWARD」作品上映会にて上映される予定です。