Salalah — Participants in the “Wathiq” Documentary Film Camp in Dhofar Governorate have been taking their learning beyond the classroom and into the field, exploring a range of natural, cultural and environmental sites across the governorate in search of stories that can be transformed into compelling documentary films.
The camp, organised by the Oman Film Society in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, was held from June 14 to 25 at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah under the theme “From Idea to Screen”. Combining theoretical instruction with practical training, the programme worked on guiding participants through every stage of documentary filmmaking, from research and scriptwriting to filming and production.
A key component of the camp was a series of field visits designed to immerse participants in Dhofar’s diverse landscapes and communities. These excursions allowed them to observe local environments firsthand, engage with people connected to the places they visited and identify stories rooted in everyday life, culture, heritage and nature.
Dr Rashid bin Abdullah al Yafaei, Board Member of the Oman Film Society and Chairman of the Training and Development Committee, said that field visits are an essential part of documentary filmmaking because they help participants explore reality, gather information and develop a deeper understanding of their subjects.
He explained that the visits enable participants to assess potential filming locations, study natural lighting conditions and establish meaningful connections with the people behind the stories they hope to tell. Direct interaction with locations and communities often reveals details that cannot be found in written sources, enriching documentary narratives and strengthening visual storytelling.
Al Yafaei added that the field experience also helps participants develop practical skills, including camera work, visual composition, scene management, teamwork, production planning and adapting to real-world filming challenges. He noted that the strong engagement shown by participants reflects their enthusiasm for learning through hands-on experience.
He emphasised that the camp seeks to encourage young filmmakers to document Oman’s heritage, culture and social realities while discovering meaningful stories within their own communities. Through documentary filmmaking, participants are encouraged to transform everyday observations into stories that inform, inspire and create lasting impact.
Participant Mohammed bin Mustahil al Shahri said that outdoor locations provide filmmakers with greater opportunities for creativity and inspiration. He noted that natural landscapes and open environments often spark new ideas and perspectives that enhance the work of writers, directors and cinematographers.
According to Al Shahri, many locations carry stories linked to their history, environment and the people who interact with them. Such stories add depth to documentary films while also highlighting the cultural and tourism value of the places featured.
All throughout the camp, participants continued refining the ideas generated during their explorations and developing them into complete documentary film projects. Their journey from discovery and research to production and screening reflects the camp’s broader goal of empowering a new generation of storytellers to capture and share authentic stories from Oman through the lens of documentary cinema.
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