Muscat – Oman Film Society (OFS), in cooperation with the Syrian Embassy in Oman and the Social Club of the Syrian Community, held a two-day Syrian film festival at its headquarters on July 28 and 29.

‘Syrian Films Night’ featured short films and documentaries, several of which have received recognition at international festivals.

The opening night included six award-winning short films, among them the docudrama Yasmine and On the Roof of Damascus.

The screenings included The Journey of Syrian Silk, a short documentary tracing the traditional stages of silk production in Syria and efforts to preserve the craft as part of the country’s cultural heritage.

A senior OFS official said the event went beyond film screenings by highlighting the shared cultural links between Oman and Syria.

“Cinema has the power to bring people together across borders,” the official said, adding that the event has developed into an annual cultural initiative since 2023.

The festival aims to introduce Omani audiences to Syrian culture, customs and daily life through the work of Syrian filmmakers, while creating opportunities for cultural exchange between the two countries.

Several directors took part in discussions with the audience after the screenings. They spoke about the ideas behind their films, the production process and the experience of presenting their work at international festivals.

Organisers said the discussions also provided young filmmakers practical insight into storytelling, production and building careers in cinema.

Cooperation between the Syrian Embassy and OFS began in 2023, when the first edition of Syrian Films Night featured Syrian director Najdat Anzour.