Bridging Oman's Wadis and the Danube

The magic of the Sultanate of Oman came to life in the heart of Budapest at the historic Uránia National Film Theatre. The “Omani Film Night” was far more than a simple screening series; it was a high-profile cultural diplomacy event born from a unique Hungarian-Omani collaboration, bringing the spirit of the Omani mountains and emerald waters to the Hungarian capital.

DIPLOMACY AND CINEMATIC ART
The evening was graced by the presence of Malallah bin Mahmoud al Balushi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Hungary. In his opening remarks, the Ambassador emphasised that cinema is one of the most powerful tools for dialogue, understanding and tolerance. The event was organised by the Oman Film Society to mark the anniversary of His Majesty Haitham bin Tarik’s accession to the throne, in close cooperation with the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Hungary.
“This initiative goes beyond film screenings; it is a platform for cultural dialogue that strengthens the ties between our two nations,” added Mohammed bin Abdullah al Ajmi, Chairman of the Oman Film Society.

A MULTI-DIMENSIONAL CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
The programme offered a rich journey into Omani heritage: Photography Exhibition: Organised in collaboration with the Photography Club of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Muscat, the gallery showcased images reflecting everyday life, breathtaking landscapes and the rich human heritage of Oman.
Panel Discussion: Moderated by Fahad al Maimani with popular Hungarian actor Balázs Csórics, the audience and Omani film-makers discussed industry challenges and opportunities for co-production and knowledge exchange.
Live music was predominantly present during the evening as Sulaiman al Kindi, a master of the oud, performed traditional pieces, creating an atmosphere echoing the musical traditions of Oman’s coast and mountains.

THE VISIONARY BEHIND THE EVENT
The initiative and lead organisation are credited to Tamás Dombóvári, a renowned Hungarian photographer. Currently a lecturer at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Muscat and a member of the Oman Film Society’s Local and International Committee, his expertise and cross-cultural ties were instrumental in bringing Omani cinema to the Hungarian public.

EIGHT STORIES FROM OMAN
The screenings featured eight Omani short films, showcasing technical and narrative diversity: Flaming Souls (Yaqoub al Khanjari), Black Liver (Mohammed al Ghafri), Dahjan al Ward (Mohammed al Ajmi), Long Distances (Ali bin Said al Bimani and Hamad al Qassabi), Ramad (Sulaiman al Khalili), Water Religion (Haitham al Musallami), Never Dive Alone (Fahad al Maimani), and Delusion (Issa al Subhi).
Photos by Abdullah Al Hinai