Dhofar Intl Film Festival spotlights Dhofar as a rising cultural hub
41 films were shortlisted for the festival’s competitions which were judged by a jury of cinema experts, artists, and specialists
Published: 01:09 PM,Sep 11,2024 | EDITED : 05:09 PM,Sep 11,2024
Dhofar Intl Film Festival spotlights Dhofar as a rising cultural hub
SALALAH: The first-ever Dhofar International Film Festival was held last week at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment, under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar. The event, organised by the Omani Cinema Society, featured a visual presentation highlighting Dhofar Governorate’s unique attributes and displaying films from 18 countries in narrative and documentary categories.
Organised by the Omani Cinema Society, the festival drew filmmakers, artists, and cinema enthusiasts worldwide, spotlighting Dhofar as a rising cultural hub.
The opening ceremony featured a captivating visual presentation showcasing the rich cultural and natural beauty of Dhofar Governorate, followed by highlights from the films participating in the festival. These included both narrative and documentary films from 18 different countries, each offering a unique perspective on storytelling.
Festival Director, Dr Rashid bin Abdullah Al Yafei, highlighted in his speech the Omani Film Society’s vision of creating a vibrant cultural and creative exchange space. He emphasised that the festival aims not only to promote Dhofar’s historical and touristic diversity but also to foster growth in Oman’s budding film industry. Workshops and film screenings will provide opportunities for aspiring filmmakers to hone their skills in scripting, acting, directing, and cinematography.
Out of nearly 200 films submitted, 41 were shortlisted for the festival’s competitions. The 22 narrative films and 19 documentaries will be judged by a jury of cinema experts, artists, and specialists in film production from Oman and abroad.
Chairman of the Omani Cinema Association, Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Ajmi, underscored the potential of cinema as a tool for promoting tourism, noting how films can significantly enhance a country’s global image. He pointed out that one impactful film can achieve what years of marketing efforts might struggle to do in showcasing the beauty and heritage of a nation like Oman.
The festival’s atmosphere was further enriched by artistic performances, and the evening concluded with the honouring of judges, filmmakers, and key sponsors, setting the stage for the next few days of cinematic celebration in Salalah.
The festival is set to run for several days, offering workshops, screenings, and opportunities for filmmakers to exchange ideas, paving the way for future collaborations and the growth of Oman’s budding film industry. – ONA
Organised by the Omani Cinema Society, the festival drew filmmakers, artists, and cinema enthusiasts worldwide, spotlighting Dhofar as a rising cultural hub.
The opening ceremony featured a captivating visual presentation showcasing the rich cultural and natural beauty of Dhofar Governorate, followed by highlights from the films participating in the festival. These included both narrative and documentary films from 18 different countries, each offering a unique perspective on storytelling.
Festival Director, Dr Rashid bin Abdullah Al Yafei, highlighted in his speech the Omani Film Society’s vision of creating a vibrant cultural and creative exchange space. He emphasised that the festival aims not only to promote Dhofar’s historical and touristic diversity but also to foster growth in Oman’s budding film industry. Workshops and film screenings will provide opportunities for aspiring filmmakers to hone their skills in scripting, acting, directing, and cinematography.
Out of nearly 200 films submitted, 41 were shortlisted for the festival’s competitions. The 22 narrative films and 19 documentaries will be judged by a jury of cinema experts, artists, and specialists in film production from Oman and abroad.
Chairman of the Omani Cinema Association, Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Ajmi, underscored the potential of cinema as a tool for promoting tourism, noting how films can significantly enhance a country’s global image. He pointed out that one impactful film can achieve what years of marketing efforts might struggle to do in showcasing the beauty and heritage of a nation like Oman.
The festival’s atmosphere was further enriched by artistic performances, and the evening concluded with the honouring of judges, filmmakers, and key sponsors, setting the stage for the next few days of cinematic celebration in Salalah.
The festival is set to run for several days, offering workshops, screenings, and opportunities for filmmakers to exchange ideas, paving the way for future collaborations and the growth of Oman’s budding film industry. – ONA