Muscat – The Omani documentary film ‘Al Zeeg,’ directed by Salah al Hadrami, has been shortlisted in the fourth edition of the Kardada African Film Festival, which will be held in Algeria from September 30 to October 2, 2023. The Omani film qualified alongside 35 films from 12 countries.

Produced by Oman Film Society, Al Zeeg delves into the intimate relationship between Omanis and sugarcane cultivation. 

The film details the challenges involved in producing sugarcane syrup. 

Additionally, it underscores the nutritional and economic importance of sugarcane, while exploring the social implications of embracing change and modernisation.

The film has received several awards from local, Arab, and international festivals, including the first-place award at Digital Gate International Film Festival in Algeria, the Best Cinematography Award at the Muscat Film Festival, the third-place award at the Arab Heritage Film Festival in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, the second-place award at the Kuwait New Film Festival in Kuwait, and the Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Cinematography awards at the Diamond Cut International Film Festival in India.