In an exciting turn of events, formerly OMQ Production, which has rebranded to Qade Film Festival, announced that RO18,000 prize money is up for grabs for the participants in this year's competition.
Addressing the rebrand of the film festival, organizers explained that the departure from its former name to embrace the Qade Film Festival name is to establish the festival's independence and create a strong identity.
The choice of "Qade" is rooted in one of Oman's ancient names, "the Land of Qade," as explained by Abdul Malik Al Yaqoubi, a member of the festival's management. He explained, "The name has historical significance, dating back to the seventh century in the Oman Peninsula, as documented in Assyrian records discovered in the Temple of Ishtar in Nineveh."
In collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and through a strategic partnership with OQ, the festival's current edition is scheduled to run for four days, from February 1 to 4, 2024. The event will take place at the Oman Across Ages Museum and follows the success of the previous edition. The festival aims to expand job opportunities and enhance the diverse skills of creative youth.
Sara al Shaibani, a festival management member, shared, "The festival marks a tribute to the late Ahmed Al Abadi, Oman Al Maani, and Muhammad Al Nahdi, who worked for the institution and passed away during significant work assignments." Revealing key details, the organizing committee shared that the film festival received 68 submissions, but only 25 of which will be included in the initial evaluation to qualify for the competition. Five jury members will participate in judging the films. The judging panel includes Saudi director Abdul Rahman Sundakji, Palestinian-Swedish film director and producer of the Malmo Arab Film Festival Muhammad Qiblawi, Saudi director Ayman Jamal, Omani videographer and director Ahmed Al Muqbali, and Omani film director Mohammed Al Harthi.
The festival has opened its scope to various film genres, including documentary, promotional, cinematic films, and other kinds of film with a total prize value of RO18,000. The awards will be distributed among three major categories for the best film and 12 individual awards for the best film idea, director, cinematographer, actor, actress, visual effects artist, and sound engineer, among others.
The festival features notable events such as "The Production House," where professionals from diverse specializations in the artistic and cinematic fields converge to serve filmmakers under one roof. It serves as a hub for exchanging skills, showcasing production and distribution services, and offering opportunities for film funding. The festival also includes the "Red Carpet Walk" celebration and screenings of participating and exclusive films, accompanied by workshops and seminars conducted by prominent Arab filmmakers.
Khalid Al Abri, representing the festival's management, expressed the festival's aspiration to be a platform for aspiring filmmakers, offering examples of their work. He highlighted the potential for today's amateurs to become professionals in the future, contributing to the growth of cinema in Oman. Al Abri anticipates that this initiative will lead to diverse and successful future endeavours.
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