The University of Balamand (UOB) and the Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts (ALBA) celebrate the achievement of its graduate Hasan Ali, whose animated short film “The Boy's Fish” has been shortlisted among the 16 semifinalists for the 2026 Student Academy Awards, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Created as his Master's final project in Animation and completed in June 2025, “The Boy's Fish” reflects Hasan's artistic vision and storytelling talent developed throughout his studies in the Graphic Arts and Advertising Program at ALBA.

The Student Academy Awards are among the world's leading competitions for emerging filmmakers, recognizing outstanding student productions from around the globe. Being selected as a semifinalist is a significant achievement, placing Hasan's work among a select group of student films recognized for their creativity and excellence.

The film is currently undergoing the technical submission process required for qualification to the next stage of the competition. Finalists will be announced in August, with the awards ceremony scheduled to take place in September in Toronto, Canada.

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