Muscat – The second edition of the European Film Festival in Oman concluded on Sunday after a week of screenings, workshops and discussions that brought together filmmakers, students and audiences.

Hosted at Cinepolis Cinemas and organised by the International Film Foundation of Oman (IFFO), the European Union Delegation to Oman and embassies of EU member states, the festival showcased 24 films from nine European countries.

Sudha Sha, Chairperson of IFFO, said, “We’ve successfully conclude the second edition of the festival. It resulted in so many new ideas, brainstorming sessions and cultural exchanges. We look forward to have more European embassies take part in the coming years.”

She added that the festival provided a platform for cultural exchange through cinema, workshops and debates. “From masterclass on documentaries to thought-provoking debates on women’s empowerment, the festival created lasting connections between Omani audiences and European storytellers. The closing ceremony reaffirmed the festival’s success in strengthening cultural ties and nurturing creative expression in Oman.”

During the week, aspiring filmmakers attended a workshop on documentary filmmaking led by Italian filmmaker Edoardo Bellino. Organised with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, Oman Film Society and the Embassy of Italy in Muscat, it drew students and emerging artists eager to learn visual storytelling. Bellino, who has worked on international productions for Netflix, Sky and Rai, shared insights from his career as a cinematographer and director.

Another highlight of the festival was an open forum called ‘Women Empowerment beyond Borders’ held alongside the Gulf premiere of the Italian film ‘Francesca and Giovanni’. The panel featured Booker Prize winner Jokha al Harthy, activist Reem al Zadjali, Italian director Simmona Ricky and Sha, who was the festival director. 

The festival closed with the screening of the 2019 Omani film ‘Zayana’, directed by Dr Khalid al Zadjali. Set in Oman and India, the film explores women’s issues.

Zadjali said, “Seeing films from different parts of the world is important not only to understand cultures but also to learn new storytelling techniques. After our collaboration with India, we look forward to working with Europe as well. Cinema has no language – humanity itself is the language.”