Writer and Director Alexandra Bahíyyih Wain talks about her Oscar 2026 Qualifying short film ‘In the Clouds’

In an incredibly divisive time whereby migration is a primary focus, it’s important to remember the human lives forced to make the life changing decision of leaving a place they once called home to seek a hopeful, safer future. To nurture understanding, opportunities to broaden awareness on this particular subject matter are increasingly vital – cinema a great way of depicting the reasons why choices are made, fostering the beginnings of some sort of dialogue. Recently qualifying for the 2026 Oscars, short film In the Clouds centres the day to day reality of an Iranian refugee family – humanising their existence. Writer and director Alexandra Bahíyyih Wain has achieved acclaim for the timely film, having won the Grand Prize in the Breaking Boundaries category at Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival and Best Director at BIFA qualifying Worcester Film Festival. Ahead of the 2026 Oscar longlist announcement, Alexandra tells us more about the inspirations for exploring the subject matter of migration further, collaborating with the creative team to develop the film and what what she’s learned from creating it.

Hi Alexandra, your short film In the Clouds has become both Oscar and BAFTA 2026 qualified. How are you feeling?

It’s a great feeling. When we made In the Clouds, our goal was to create something that would truly resonate with different audiences and spark meaningful conversations. It’s such an urgent and divisive topic, so having festivals embrace and create space for a film like this really means a lot to us. This recognition feels like a validation that stories like this can reach people, inspire empathy, and open up dialogue.

In the Clouds follows an Iranian refugee family navigating the silent pressures of resettlement. It places focus on the day to day, telling a story of migration not through trauma and spectacle but by capturing universality. What inspired you to explore this topic further?

I wanted to explore a child’s perspective on a new environment and the subtle pressures of adapting to it. I spent a lot of time researching young refugees’ experiences—not just the dangerous journeys they undertake, but also the challenges of resettlement. At the time I was writing the early script, news reports showed protestors actively preventing lifeguards from saving refugees from dangerous waters.

It was astonishing to see such open disregard for human life, and it made me reflect on how dehumanized refugees are often treated. With In the Clouds, I wanted to tell a story that emphasizes the humanity of these families, a story that audiences could connect with on a deeply human level. Even if someone has been through trauma, it’s not always visible, and I wanted to capture that subtlety. Grief, isolation, and the feeling of being a stranger in a new space are experiences everyone can relate to, and I also drew on aspects of my own personal experiences, even though I’m not a refugee myself. The aim was to create something universal, intimate, and empathetic.

The film has been shown at various film festivals, and continues on its journey through the international circuit. It won the Grand Prize in the Breaking Boundaries category at Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival and Best Director at BIFA qualifying Worcester Film Festival. How does it feel to have been acknowledged for your work in this way?

I’m incredibly proud of the cast and crew, who brought so much craft, dedication, and passion to the production. As a first-time director, it was a bit daunting at the start because the film was ambitious, but pouring so much energy and love into a project you truly believe in, and seeing others share that commitment, makes recognition from festivals and audiences all the more meaningful. Winning awards is a wonderful bonus, but it also validates your voice and vision as a filmmaker. Every accolade is a reminder of how fortunate I was to collaborate with such a talented and committed team.

The film is written and directed by by yourself, edited by Donya Maguire, with cinematography by Jon Muschamp, compositions by Tara Creme and stars Nika Roufi, Sophia Akraminejad, Raha Rahbari and Reza Shademan amongst a team of creatives. How have you all worked together to create the film?

Making In the Clouds was truly a collaborative journey. From the very beginning, I relied on the incredible talents of Jon, Donya, Tara, producer Daniel Panyko, and the rest of the crew, to bring their creativity, expertise, and unique perspectives to the project. We worked closely, sharing ideas, experimenting, and supporting each other through every stage. Working with the cast was something really special, especially with Nika and Sophia. We had a handful of rehearsals, and Jon also joined one so the young cast could get comfortable with him and the camera. Once we rehearsed on location a couple of days before the shoot, I knew we were going to succeed. Their characters came alive, and everyone arrived on set knowing what to expect. By the end of the shoot, it truly felt like a family — Raha, Reza, the young cast, and their mothers, who were so integral in helping with rehearsals and translations. Filmmaking is such a team effort, and I feel so lucky to have worked with people who believed deeply in the story and brought so much of themselves to it.

What have you learned/taken away from creating the film?

I’ve learned to just get it done and jump into the deep end – trust your instincts and your creative vision. I’ve also realized how important it is to appreciate the work, ideas, and support of everyone involved in the project. Filmmaking is such a collaborative process, and being open to learning from others while staying true to your own vision has been one of the most valuable takeaways.

What can audiences expect from the film?

A haunting, boundary-pushing portrait of family love that stays with you long after the film ends.

What would you like for audiences to take away from the film?

I’d love for audiences to take away a sense of oneness—the idea that, at our core, we’re all human. We live, breathe, and feel the same, and there needs to be more equality and justice in the world. Most importantly, I hope people are reminded to be kind and patient, because we never truly know what someone has been through or is going through.

Interview by Lucy Basaba.

To find out more about In the Clouds, visit here…