Muscat – Filmmaker Mohammed al Darwish has done Oman proud winning for the best documentary at the Indian International Film Festival Award, West Bengal in the online category. The competition  saw participation of over 4,000 films from around the world, of which 494 were shortlisted.

Darwish’s 60-minute documentary Safnat explores the deep connection between Omanis and horses, capturing how these animals are cared for and celebrated in Omani culture. Filming began in October 2023 and continued for three months. Safnat was released in May 2024.

Speaking about the film and the award, Darwish said, “Horses and camels are an integral part of Omani culture. For the shoot, we often started early in the morning and continued filming through the day. Sometimes, we had to stop because of the heat. I am very happy to receive this award at one of India’s best film festivals. It motivates me to push further and improve my craft.”

He added that Safnat highlights Oman’s rich equestrian heritage, offering audiences a glimpse into the relationship between humans, horses and culture.

Safnat was filmed using six high-end cameras ensuring the highest quality visuals.