'Alzeej' shines at the Kurdada African Film Festival
Celebrating Omani heritage:
Published: 06:10 PM,Oct 07,2023 | EDITED : 10:10 PM,Oct 07,2023
Directed by Salah al Hadhrami, the captivating documentary 'Alzeej' proudly represented Oman in the fourth edition of the Kurdada African Film Festival held in Algeria from September 19 to October 2. This remarkable Omani film was handpicked among 35 outstanding entries from 12 different nations, including Egypt, Tunisia, Jordan, Iraq, Morocco, Syria, Yemen, and Algeria.
Filmed over five years from 2017 to 2021 in various wilayats namely Nizwa, Bahla, Manah, and Al Hamra, 'Alzeej' has not only participated in numerous international and local film festivals but has also earned accolades at multiple levels, including local, Arab, and international recognition.
Most recently, it garnered three prestigious awards at the Diamond Festival in India, including Best Show, Best Acting, and Best Directing. Other noteworthy accolades include first place at the International Digital Portal Festival in Algeria, the Best Cinematography Award at the Muscat Film Festival, third place at the Arab Heritage Film Festival in the Emirate of Sharjah in the UAE, and second place at the Kuwait New Cinema Festival in Kuwait.
Produced by the Omani Cinema Society, 'Alzeej' beautifully illuminates the enduring journey of Omanis in harnessing their environment despite formidable challenges. Spanning from towering Rocky Mountains to arid and scorching deserts, the documentary delves into the Omani people's deep-rooted relationship with agriculture and their innovative endeavours in cultivating and producing Omani red sugar.
The film offers profound insights into the humanitarian, economic, and social dimensions of this profession, emphasising the significance of those who have dedicated years to its practice.
The film artfully portrays the cultivation and production of sugar in Oman, exploring its far-reaching impacts.
It chronicles a journey filled with both joy and adversity while elucidating the nutritional, economic, and social advantages of this industry. 'Alzeej' underscores the importance of embracing change and modernisation in this sector, adapting to evolving times while preserving tradition.
What makes 'Alzeej' truly astonishing is its documentation of a vital profession that not only upholds the Omani identity but also ensures its transmission to future generations. Omani red sugar, renowned for its economic significance, serves as an excellent alternative to white sugar. It is a key ingredient in Oman's most famous dessert, the Omani Halwa, and is also utilised for medicinal purposes.
Moreover, the production of Omani red sugar serves as a vital source of income for numerous Omani families, who distribute it both locally and internationally.
This reflects their commitment to a healthy lifestyle and their astute utilization of the environment as a means of livelihood. 'Alzeej' encapsulates the essence of a tradition that sustains Omani culture and enriches the lives of its people.
Filmed over five years from 2017 to 2021 in various wilayats namely Nizwa, Bahla, Manah, and Al Hamra, 'Alzeej' has not only participated in numerous international and local film festivals but has also earned accolades at multiple levels, including local, Arab, and international recognition.
Most recently, it garnered three prestigious awards at the Diamond Festival in India, including Best Show, Best Acting, and Best Directing. Other noteworthy accolades include first place at the International Digital Portal Festival in Algeria, the Best Cinematography Award at the Muscat Film Festival, third place at the Arab Heritage Film Festival in the Emirate of Sharjah in the UAE, and second place at the Kuwait New Cinema Festival in Kuwait.
Produced by the Omani Cinema Society, 'Alzeej' beautifully illuminates the enduring journey of Omanis in harnessing their environment despite formidable challenges. Spanning from towering Rocky Mountains to arid and scorching deserts, the documentary delves into the Omani people's deep-rooted relationship with agriculture and their innovative endeavours in cultivating and producing Omani red sugar.
The film offers profound insights into the humanitarian, economic, and social dimensions of this profession, emphasising the significance of those who have dedicated years to its practice.
The film artfully portrays the cultivation and production of sugar in Oman, exploring its far-reaching impacts.
It chronicles a journey filled with both joy and adversity while elucidating the nutritional, economic, and social advantages of this industry. 'Alzeej' underscores the importance of embracing change and modernisation in this sector, adapting to evolving times while preserving tradition.
What makes 'Alzeej' truly astonishing is its documentation of a vital profession that not only upholds the Omani identity but also ensures its transmission to future generations. Omani red sugar, renowned for its economic significance, serves as an excellent alternative to white sugar. It is a key ingredient in Oman's most famous dessert, the Omani Halwa, and is also utilised for medicinal purposes.
Moreover, the production of Omani red sugar serves as a vital source of income for numerous Omani families, who distribute it both locally and internationally.
This reflects their commitment to a healthy lifestyle and their astute utilization of the environment as a means of livelihood. 'Alzeej' encapsulates the essence of a tradition that sustains Omani culture and enriches the lives of its people.