Muscat – Dhofar International Film Festival will kick off on Sunday at Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment under the patronage of H H Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar.

The festival will screen 195 films from 18 countries, including 31 entries from Oman.

Organised by Oman Film Society, the four-day festival aims to promote film culture in Oman, especially among the youth, and support the growth of the film industry in the sultanate. “It is part of our broader plan to enhance the cinematic movement in Oman through festivals in seven governorates, with Dhofar now being included,” an official from the festival’s media committee stated.

Held under the slogan ‘Be Part of the Show’, the festival seeks to foster youth initiatives that encourage creativity and provide job opportunities. It also aims to develop the talent of aspiring filmmakers and promote the Governorate of Dhofar.

The festival will honour eminent guests who have made significant contributions to cinema over the years.

Several films from Oman, including the documentary Sand Girl directed by Salah al Hadhrami, Ramad by Salman al Khalili and Al Shajara al Maamra by Abdullah al Battashi, will be screened.

In addition to film screenings, the festival will feature training sessions in cinematic arts conducted by experts. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with artists and learn about their creative journeys. The festival will also include visits and tours to showcase the beauty and natural splendour of Dhofar, highlighting its potential as a location for film production.

The festival will present six awards – Best Omani Feature Film, Best International Feature Film, Best Omani Documentary, Best International Documentary, and jury awards for both feature and documentary films. The jury will include experts, artists and film professionals from Oman and abroad.