Muscat – Filmmaker and Oman Film Society (OFS) board member Mohammad al Kindi has released a book – titled Tahwalet Cinema Omaniya 1970-2020 (History of Cinema in Oman) – documenting the evolution of the sultanate’s film industry over five decades.

The 279-page book is the first of its kind to trace the journey of Omani cinema, starting from the 1970s with special focus on the transformative years under the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said. It provides a detailed account of how passionate filmmakers, often with limited resources, shaped a distinct art form.

Reflecting on the book’s significance, Kindi said, “This book is an ode to the makers who lit the cinematic flame in Oman. Their stories are not just about making films, but about building a movement, often against the odds. The book doesn’t stop at filmmakers, also paying tribute to journalists, theatre personalities and business leaders who played vital roles in supporting the growth of the medium.”

The book profiles key figures of the Omani film industry, including pioneering cameramen Taghlib al Barwani and Mohammad Zubair, OFS founding members Haitham al Tai and Khalid al Zadjali, veteran journalist Sheikh Hamood Siyabi, and the late actor-director Salim Bahwan.

One section of the book covers the history of OFS, from its early days as a gathering of film enthusiasts to its current status as an influential institution headquartered in Seeb. It also touches on the impact of film fests, such as Muscat International Film Festival and Oman Film Festival, highlighting the role of these in nurturing local talent and fostering international collaborations.

Kindi informed that the idea for the book took shape while he was preparing a lecture for a book festival in France in 2019. “While researching for my speech, I uncovered fascinating stories of filmmakers across Oman. That’s when I knew this had to become a book,” he said.

Over the next five years, Kindi travelled across Oman, collecting stories and archives for the project. He plans to release a second volume covering the period starting from 2020.

The book is currently available for purchase through Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and can also be accessed at the OFS library. Kindi recently showcased his book at the WAVES Summit in Mumbai, where he was invited as a guest by the Indian Embassy in Oman.