"This achievement is a result of a successful release of the film in the UK and Ireland through our partnership with The British Film Institute (BFI),” the filmmakers said on Tuesday, expressing excitement about the nomination and urging Stamford crowd to attend the upcoming screenings at the Stamford Arts Centre.

Produced by Sameh Awad, Souad - a Cinegouna Springboard winner of the 2018 El Gouna film platform - was one of 56 films of the Cannes Film Festival's Official Selection for the 2020 edition that was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The realistic cinematic picture is an attempt to uncover social problems and weaknesses through the story of a 12-year-old girl searching for answers after her sister Souad's suicide in a village in Zagazig. The film explores tragic consequences.

Souad, which was among the 2021 Berlin Panorama Selection and the 2021 Tribeca International Competition, was written by Ayten Amin and Mahmoud Ezzat with cinematography directed by Maged Nader and the editing made by Khaled Moeit.

One of the directors of the TV drama hit Sabea Gaar ("The Seventh Neighbour"), Amin - best known for Villa 69, Spring 98, and Tahrir 2011: The Good, the Bad, and the Politician - is taking confident steps in her career since her notable debut Her Man in 2006, proving outstanding talent and gaining many awards and screenings at various international film festivals.

The BIFA long list for the award, sponsored by Champagne Taittinger, includes six titles from the US/Canada, one from Japan and the remaining 12 are from Europe, with nine of the directors long-listed are women.

The final five nominations will be announced on Wednesday 3 November. Winners will be revealed at the Awards Ceremony on Sunday 5 December.

Souad is competing with important films; A Chiara, Compartment No. 6, Drive My Car, First Cow, Flee, Great Freedom, The Hand Of God, Hive, Hope, Paris- 13th District, Petite Maman, Pleasure Ninja, Red Rocket, Shiva Baby, Sound Of Metal, Summer Of Soul, Titane and Zola.

Founded by Elliot Grove and Suzanne Ballantyne in 1998, the BIFA "highlight and reward the best, most innovative and creative independent filmmaking and filmmakers in the UK" as listed in their bio.