Muscat – Omani short film Forbidden Flowers, directed by Dalila Ali Nasser Al Darii, has gained international recognition at the Atlas International Film Festival, marking another milestone for the sultanate’s growing cinema industry.

The over 14-minute film won the Best Director award at the fourth edition of the film festival in Morocco, held from May 7 to 10.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Dalila said the award reflects both the artistic quality of the film and the powerful human message it conveys, which resonated strongly with audiences and jury members alike.

“The film tells the story of two sisters living in a simple rural village who face repeated mistreatment from some members of their community. As events unfold, the story reveals the painful realities experienced by some girls in closed environments,” she said.

Dalila noted that the latest accolade marks an important milestone in the film’s journey. Forbidden Flowers had earlier secured second place in the third edition of the Tawasul Short Film Competition organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth in December 2025.

She said the film’s human-centred narrative and visual storytelling, which address social issues through a subtle yet powerful cinematic language, demonstrate the ability of Omani cinema to present local stories to international audiences and film festivals worldwide.

“The award is not only a personal achievement, but also a message of hope and inspiration for every Omani and Arab woman aspiring to establish herself in the field of film direction,” Dalila said.

She added that an Omani filmmaker winning a Best Director award at an international festival reflects how the Omani creative voice is increasingly being heard globally, while proving that local stories can connect with audiences across cultures and borders.

Dalila said the recognition has motivated her to continue producing films that carry an authentic Omani and Arab identity, while encouraging a new generation of female directors and creatives to believe that success knows no boundaries.

Speaking about her future plans, she revealed that she is currently working on a feature-length film project, which she described as an important step in her artistic journey. “The film explores an idea that is very close to my heart, and I hope it will leave a positive impact on audiences,” she said.