Tunisian director Leyla Bouzid

One of twofour54's SANAD films; "As I Open my Eyes” by Tunisian director Leyla Bouzid's has been chosen to participate in the 72nd edition of Venice Film Festival's event Venice Days, which takes place from 2 to 12 September.

Tunisian director Leyla Bouzid started her career making short films. In 2013, her short film "Zakaria” was screened and won the Best Producer prize at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival and was also screened at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival in France.

"As I Open my Eyes” is her first feature film. The film received both a SANAD development and post-production grant for its originality and boldness. SANAD recognises the exceptional quality of Leyla Bouzid's film and the strength of her previous.

The SANAD projects have continually been featured at international film festivals and have received international recognition by winning numerous awards and accolades. Films screened at Venice that were supported by SANAD include Theeb, directed by Naji Abu Nowar, which won the best director at the Orizzonti competition 2014, and Tahrir Square: The Good, The Bad and the Politician, directed by Amr Salama, Ayten Amin and Tamer Ezzat.
Source: The Gulf Today