Muscat – The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, in collaboration with OQ Company and OMQ Productions, successfully concluded the inaugural Qade Film Festival at the Oman Across Ages Museum in Manah, Dakhliyah.

The event, which took place on Saturday, showcased 25 Omani films, highlighting the nation’s burgeoning cinematic talent.

Presided over by H H Sayyid Kamil bin Fahd al Said, Assistant Secretary-General of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers, the festival marked a significant stride in fostering the sultanate’s cultural and national identity through cinema.

Khalid Abdullah al Abri, owner of OMQ Productions, said that the festival projected cinema as a medium to express diverse cultures and narratives.

The four-day event featured a series of enriching activities, including the ‘Production House’ workshop. This forum served as a melting pot for individuals and institutions involved in filmmaking, facilitating the exchange of experiences and offering a range of services from production to film financing. The festival also hosted seminars and an awards ceremony, underscoring its comprehensive approach to promoting the cinematic arts.

Abri also announced the launch of the Qade Film Fund, an initiative designed to financially bolster Omani films and foster connections between filmmakers and various institutions. This move underscores the festival’s dedication to nurturing creative talent in the cinematic field.

Highlighting the festival’s competitive spirit, the film Al Banjari, directed by Musa al Kindi, clinched the Golden Award. One Day by Abdel Aziz Sayed received the Silver Award, while Katm al Anfas (Holding Breath) by Issa al Subhi took home the Bronze Award.

One Day was lauded for its cinematography, while Musa al Kindi received the best director accolade for Al Banjari.

The screenplay of One Day was celebrated alongside Mohammed al Khamisi for best artistic direction, and Montaser al Jahouri for best makeup.

Other notable winners included Mohammed al Balushi for Best Film Editing, Faisal al Shibli for Best Sound Engineering and Best Music, Wafa al Rashidiya as Best Actress in Al Banjari, and Mohammed al Nadabi for Best Actor in Bags of the Soul.

The Green Box won for best advertising poster, with Al Banjari securing the audience vote award, reflecting the film’s resonance with viewers.

The Qade Film Festival, named after the ancient term for Oman in the 7th century BC, not only aims to boost the local film industry but also to embolden young Omani filmmakers to explore and express their creativity, aligning with the vision of Oman Vision 2040 for technological and cultural advancement.