By Balqees Al Oraimi
The film industry in the Sultanate of Oman got a shot in the arm with the decision of the Omani Film Society Support and Production Fund to support local filmmakers, particularly those involved in short films. This initiative is aligned with the association's overarching strategy to foster the sustainable growth of the film sector in Oman.
Recognising the immense potential for artistic development among its members, the society is keen to provide financial backing to their film projects, enabling them to participate in local and international film festivals.
Anwar al Zariqi, Director of the Fund, emphasised that the support extended to filmmakers is in harmony with the broader objectives of official institutions and the Omani Film Society's commitment to the national project ‘Make your film in Oman.’
This nationwide initiative aims to promote the production of cinematic works within the country, with the ultimate goal of transforming the film industry into a lucrative source of revenue for the national economy. By investing in the diverse landscapes and cultures of Oman, the society seeks to enrich the cinematic landscape. The recently announced package of support represents a continuation of the association's efforts in this regard.
In August last year, the Fund launched a scenario competition, inviting submissions from its members. Twelve submissions came in the short film category. The entries were subsequently reviewed by Mohamed Rafie, a renowned specialist in screenwriting and storytelling from the Arab Republic of Egypt, known for his extensive collection of stories and contributions to various film genres, including short, long, and documentary films. Rafie has also conducted numerous workshops on screenwriting.
Three short films qualified for full funding and production by the Omani Film Society. These films include "A Musical" by Azza al Qasabiya, "The Elephants' Memory" by Dr Hamid al Amiri, and "Dirty Feet," penned by Talib bin Muhammad al Balushi. Additionally, there will be a secondary support track to assist other films that participated in the competition, further incentivizing society members and promoting the expansion of film production activities.
The Fund has already supported 21 films, either through full or partial financing. This dynamic development in Oman's film production sector has led to numerous accolades for Omani films, with many works nominated for and participating in local and international film festivals. The Omani Film Society plays a pivotal role in encouraging the production of high-quality, internationally competitive films by offering financing opportunities and attracting increased investment from both the public and private sectors into the cinema industry.
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