The cinema and theatre scene in Oman is very young and, over the years, has been placed on the back-burner . But with more access to technology, including the latest gadgets in film-making, more young Omanis are venturing into the scene.
Muscat, however, has witnessed progress being made in this area as the annual film festival just gets better and better.
Many budding Omani film-makers begin their journey by producing short films and documentaries, and several of them had found success winning accolades in film festivals outside of Oman.
On March 17, the Knowledge Oasis of Rusayl revived the Rusail Cinema which was closed in 2000. The launching aims to revive the art of local cinema as an artistic movement encouraging creative young Omanis who are capable of presenting clear messages and ideas and conveying their unique voices in film-making and theatre.
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The organisers expressed that it is a perfect space and opportunity for these budding film-makers to express their own art and become gamechanger by helping develop the field so it can evolve and grow and become part of the global film movement.
The event was held with the cooperation of Omq Artistic Production Company and Zawraq Company. Rusayl Cinema was established in 1989 and was envisioned to unite different communities from around the world.
As time progressed and social media became more dominant including satellite channels dominating the airwaves, the cinema was closed in 2000.
Today’s redevelopment takes the path being implemented by Taqat Oman Creative comprised of young Omanis with a vision to bring back the feeling of old cinema.
Part of their initiative includes bringing back the general feel of the cinema and replicating the decors, paintings, box offices, and stores that were popular in the past.
The Rusail Cinema also have a “Hafsa” restaurant that serves light cinema food.
The organisers expressed that in this version, “we hope that the journey of film-making in Omani cinema will extend to deeper and greater horizons of leadership and success.”
They also said that for the budding film-makers of Oman, “We are with you, supporting you in building your dream, helping you in every step of achieving it because we believe that the idea that is created does not fade away.”
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