Muscat – Oman, a treasure trove of natural beauty, has long been overlooked as the cinematic canvas it truly is. However, that is changing with the introduction of ‘Screen Oman’, a digital platform dedicated to revolutionising the country’s film production landscape.

The recently launched web portal is primed to be an essential resource for both domestic and international filmmakers eager to capture Oman’s picturesque locales. Despite a rich tapestry of emerging and established film talent in the sultanate, the lack of a robust platform had previously left many navigating the intricate maze of film production on their own. From financing to technical support and post-production facilities, the journey was often solitary.

Highlighting Oman’s rising stature in filmmaking, the documentary Long Distances clinched the coveted Golden Palm Award for Gulf Film at the 9th Saudi Film Festival in May. Earlier, the documentary Omani Nairooz, directed by Hussein al Balushi, earned accolades in January 2021. It won the Best Short Film Documentary Award at the Iran International Moving Film Festival and Excellence Award in Japan.

Screen Oman aims to bridge a gap, offering unwavering support for film projects, regardless of scale and genre. Filmmakers can now explore filming locations in Oman, including but not limited to Duqm, Musandam, Sur and Salalah, as listed on the portal. Additionally, in a bid to integrate community involvement, it encourages citizens to register their properties as potential film locations.

The platform showcases the merits of filming in the sultanate and also offers a comprehensive production guide, including details on how to procure filming permits.

Screen Oman is determined to be the go-to hub for the country’s film fraternity. Casting calls and a directory listing local talent and service providers are also on the horizon.

Manee S, Executive Producer and co-founder of Screen Oman, said, “We envisage this website becoming an invaluable resource for the global film industry. Our aim is to ensure that those filming in Oman have an uninterrupted, first-class experience.”

Further testament to Oman’s growing cinematic allure is its hosting of the Fourth International Arab Film Festival – Cinemana – for two consecutive years. Crews and casts that have previously filmed in the sultanate have all been impressed with Oman’s captivating natural beauty and diverse terrain, a statement from Screen Oman said.

In collaboration with concerned authorities and the local film community, Screen Oman is committed to ensuring efficient processing of all enquiries.