The documentary Accused Number 41, directed by Maryam Haddadi, an alumna of the University of Edinburgh’s ECA, has been named a finalist at the prestigious Student Academy Awards. The film, which reflects on Haddadi’s arrest by Tehran’s morality police and her inner relationship with the hijab, had previously won the One World Media Student Award in June and was also longlisted for the 2025 BAFTA Student Awards.

Edited by Majid Mohammaddoust, Accused Number 41 stands among 28 finalists selected from over 3,127 submissions worldwide—an outstanding achievement for independent Iranian documentary filmmaking. The winners, presented by the Academy that also hosts the Oscars, will be announced in October.

The Student Academy Awards (SAA) recognizes and honors student filmmakers who demonstrate excellence in the creation of motion pictures. By awarding these outstanding achievements, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences strives to support and inspire emerging filmmakers and to foster growth and education in the art and science of motion pictures.