Omani youth filmmaking talent took centre stage as the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth announced the five winning films of the fourth edition of the Tawasol Short Film Awards 2026, celebrating young filmmakers and their ability to address human and social issues through cinema.
Held at VOX Cinemas in Oman Mall, the ceremony was held under the auspices of Basil bin Ahmed al Rawas, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Sports and Youth Affairs.
Organised by the ministry, represented by the Directorate General of Youth, the awards attracted 26 film submissions, six of which qualified for the final competition. The winning films were selected by a jury chaired by Dr Abdullah bin Habib al Muaini, alongside filmmaker Muzna bint Musa al Balushi and Qaisar bin Salim al Hinai.
The first prize of RO5,000 went to Al Matak, directed by Salah Bati al Hadhrami. The documentary explores the relationship between people, trees and collective memory, highlighting the cultural, environmental and traditional significance of trees in Omani society.
Second place and RO4,000 were awarded to One Hand Can Soar High, by Walaa Khalid al Ghawi, which follows a young woman navigating the challenges of a physical disability while pursuing her ambitions.
Chronicles of a Declared Death, by Haitham Sulaiman al Musalami, secured third place and RO3,000. Set in a restaurant, the short film uses a combination of visual storytelling and dialogue to explore the Palestinian cause through a symbolic relationship between a husband and wife.
Fourth place went to Salem’s Cup, by Hazza Salim al Kalbani, receiving RO2,000. The family comedy follows an Omani coffee enthusiast pursuing his dream of opening a café while navigating conflicting expectations within his family.
The fifth prize of RO1,000 was awarded to Warrraq, by Anas Ahmed al Zadjali. The film documents an Omani woman’s efforts to revive traditional papermaking using palm fronds and banana leaves, bringing an old craft into a contemporary context.
Speaking on the occasion, Hilal bin Saif al Siyabi, Director General of Youth at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, said the competition had received 131 film submissions since its launch in 2023, reflecting its growing importance among young filmmakers.
He noted that the initiative had become a platform for creative expression, with Omani filmmakers gaining recognition at regional and international festivals. He added that the value of participation extended beyond winning, as every cinematic experience represented another step towards artistic development.
Wadha bint Saif al Jahwari, Director of the Youth Communication and Dialogue Department, described the award as an integrated initiative supporting and empowering young people, with specialised teams overseeing the process from registration and screening to evaluation and selection.
She said the initiative provided participants with an opportunity to communicate their ideas and address issues of concern through professional filmmaking, helping some progress towards wider opportunities in the industry.
The jury also highlighted improvements in storytelling, screenwriting and visual production, noting the diversity of documentary approaches, including human-interest, environmental and investigative works.
Now in its fourth edition, the award encourages young people to explore issues from their own perspectives, promoting meaningful dialogue, awareness and respect for differing viewpoints. By placing cinema at the centre of this exchange, the initiative continues to strengthen the presence of young Omani filmmakers in the cultural and media landscape.
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