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Oman hosts film contest dedicated to Palestine

Wednesday, 16 July 2025 23:01

Muscat – A short film competition dedicated to amplifying the Palestinian narrative concluded in Muscat on Tuesday with entries from Gaza taking the top honours. Titled ‘Lens on Palestine’, the competition was launched in October 2024 as a first-of-its-kind initiative in the sultanate. Organised by Al Istiqama TV in partnership with Oman Film Society, the […]

Muscat – A short film competition dedicated to amplifying the Palestinian narrative concluded in Muscat on Tuesday with entries from Gaza taking the top honours.

Titled ‘Lens on Palestine’, the competition was launched in October 2024 as a first-of-its-kind initiative in the sultanate. Organised by Al Istiqama TV in partnership with Oman Film Society, the event drew over 100 entries from across the region, with 37 shortlisted films from 11 countries making it to the final round.

The contest aimed to offer filmmakers a platform to present visual accounts of Palestinian history, daily life, cultural identity and political realities. Each film ranged between four and ten minutes, offering a compact but powerful expression of the Palestinian cause.

The jury comprised filmmakers and cultural figures from Oman, Jordan, Palestine and Egypt. Representing Oman was Jamil bin Saeed al Yaqoobi, a veteran director and co-founder of Oman Film Society, known for celebrated works like Khalf al Kawalis, Nuz and the documentary Madrasat al Islah.

Speaking at the event on Tuesday, Yaqoobi said the competition was in response to “the urgent need to convey the Palestinian narrative to global audiences” and “shed light on the daily human suffering under continuous violations and the ongoing Israeli war in Gaza”.

The top three awards were won by Palestinian entries. Void by director Hussam Hamdi Abu Dan claimed the first prize of US$18,000. In a Moment by director Aseel al Waddiya took second place, earning US$13,000, while Palestine’s Lens by director Hamdi Khalil al Hussein received the third and US$7,500.

Individual awards also reflected the competence of entries from Palestine. Ziad Jarr won for Best Screenplay and Best Editing, while Hussam Hamdi received the Best Actor award. Clara al Banati was named Best Director.

Twenty additional films were each awarded US$500 in recognition of their originality and contribution to the competition’s goals.

Prior to the closing ceremony, a two-day workshop was held for participants, covering the basics of scripting, direction and editing led by filmmaking professionals.

Al Istiqama TV confirmed that a second edition of the competition is planned, dates of which will be announced later this year. Organisers said the strong response from the region reaffirmed the importance of cinema as a tool for advocacy and cultural expression.

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