Oman

15 films to be shown at EUFF in Muscat

 
Muscat: As many as 15 films and documentaries from 9 countries are being showcased at the first European Union Film Festival (EUFF) in Muscat from September 23 to 30 at the Vox Cinema in Mall of Oman.

Organised by the French Embassy in Oman and the European Union Delegation, in collaboration with Vox Cinemas and the Arabwood Team at the International Film Foundation of Oman (IFFO), the festival aims to foster cultural exchange and audience engagement with European movies.

This unique cultural event celebrating European cinema features films from France, Italy, Cyprus, Spain, Romania, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, and Hungary. The festival kicked off with an insightful documentary from the Netherlands followed by the opening ceremony on September 23.

The film's Director, Verheggen, and Producer, Svebor Kranjc, interacted with the audience after the screening, shedding light on the importance of cultural exchange through cinema.

Movies are screened from 6pm to 10pm on screens 4 and 5 during weekdays, with special kids' movie screenings starting at 4pm on weekends, followed by regular movies from 6pm to 10pm. Additionally, there are two workshops at the Gold Cinema, Vox Cinema at Mall of Oman, and interactive online sessions led by international co-production experts Reema al Abbas, Valerie Fouques, and Lucas Taillefer.

A session on cinematic acting is led by Jijoy Pulikal, an Associate Professor in Screen Acting from the National Film Institute of India (FTII, Pune), and Director of the KR Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts.

The festival concludes on September 30 with a closing ceremony featuring the final movie screening, announcements of future collaborations, and the concept release of the 'R Factor' project—an anthology film initiative inviting filmmakers from Oman to submit their movie synopses.

'The EUFF is a celebration of European cinema in Oman, and we hope to contribute to its success by hosting the event seamlessly. Moviegoers are invited to register and obtain passes through the QR code,' organisers said.