Muscat – Oman Film Society (OFS) commemorated World Cinema Day with an event held at its headquarters in Airport Heights on Monday. The celebration highlighted the society’s dedication to developing Oman’s film industry and spotlighted the remarkable accomplishments of Omani cinema in 2025. The event highlighted cinema as an essential element of cultural expression and […]
Muscat – Oman Film Society (OFS) commemorated World Cinema Day with an event held at its headquarters in Airport Heights on Monday. The celebration highlighted the society’s dedication to developing Oman’s film industry and spotlighted the remarkable accomplishments of Omani cinema in 2025.
The event highlighted cinema as an essential element of cultural expression and creativity, underscoring its role in raising social awareness, developing national talent and presenting Omani cultural identity through visual storytelling. It also reflected the steady growth of the film movement in the sultanate in recent years.
Speaking to Muscat Daily, Mohammed bin Abdullah al Ajmi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of OFS, said World Cinema Day represents an annual occasion to renew commitment to the art of filmmaking. He attributed the progress and achievements of Omani cinema at local and international levels to the continued support extended by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the arts and culture, in addition to coordinated efforts between the association and its partners.
He said these efforts have contributed to creating a supportive environment for creativity and strengthening the presence of Omani cinema at regional and international platforms.
In 2024, the association supported the production of 12 Omani films, providing full support for two films and partial support for ten others. This was accompanied by a range of programmes and activities aimed at expanding participation in filmmaking and strengthening the national creative ecosystem.
Film festivals held in 2025 played a significant role in reinforcing cinema’s cultural presence and promoting dialogue and exchange. Among the most notable were the 3rd Al Batinah International Film Festival and the Gulf Film Festival, which screened more than 300 films from 33 countries, further consolidating Oman’s position on the regional and international film festival map.
At the international level, Omani cinema won 34 awards. Thirty Omani films were screened at 45 international festivals across 23 countries. In addition, 36 Omani filmmakers served as jury members at international festivals, reflecting growing international confidence in national talent.
In the field of training and capacity building, the association organised 21 specialised workshops attended by more than 740 participants. The workshops covered directing, cinematography, screenwriting, sound effects, makeup, editing and the use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking, in line with developments in the global cinema.
The ceremony included the Royal Anthem, a presentation highlighting the association’s achievements in 2025, a musical performance, and a visual segment titled ‘Tales of the Ancestors with the Big Screen’. Screenings were also held of Makhtoob, directed by Sultan al Qamshoui, and Family Portrait, directed by Qaisar al Hinaei, both produced through OSF support and production fund. The event concluded with the honouring of partners, supporters and filmmakers.
SQU develops AI tool to detect fake news in Arabic media
All geared up for Muscat Nights starting January 1
Omani short film ‘Dry Leaves’ wins international acclaim
OCCI Food Security Committee calls for flexible agricultural insurance
EA marks Gulf Wildlife Day
SalamAir introduces first direct air link between Muscat and Medan, Indonesia