Muscat – Two Omani films, Beta Carotene and Ta, have won top honours at the Malda International Film Festival in Kolkata, India, marking a significant achievement for Omani cinema on the global stage.

Directed by Mohammed bin Ali al Darwaish, the films secured awards in two major categories, reflecting the growing recognition of Omani filmmakers internationally.

The two-minute silent short film Ta won Best Short Film, while Beta Carotene was awarded Best Documentary Film. The festival, which received over 4,000 submissions from 43 countries, selected only 300 films for screening, making the achievement particularly notable.

“To win at such a competitive festival is a huge honour,” Darwaish told Muscat Daily. “So far, the two films have collectively earned 12 awards from international festivals, and the recognition in India is another significant milestone.”

Ta, produced during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the issue of child safety and kidnapping. Shot in Amerat and Muttrah, it presents a gripping narrative featuring five characters in emotionally charged situations.

The film’s production posed challenges, particularly as Darwaish experimented with animation for the first time.

“It took longer than expected because I ventured into animation. My background is in documentaries, so this was a new challenge. I shot the scenes, hand-painted elements, and then brought them to life with animation. I wanted to create something distinct.”

Beta Carotene explores Oman’s unique natural landscapes, focusing on its mysterious lakes and the marine bacteria that contribute to their formation. The 12-minute documentary, produced by Oman Film Society, was made with assistant director and editor Hussain al Balushi and scriptwriter Mohammed bin Khalifa al Rasbi.