Salalah – The Dhofar International Film Festival is set to screen more than 100 films in September, bringing together filmmakers from Oman, the Gulf and beyond as the event expands its role in the sultanate’s cultural landscape.

The festival will be held from September 6 to 9 under the patronage of the Governor of Dhofar. It is organised by Oman Film Society.

Organisers said around 100 entries had been submitted in the  competition section, reflecting growing interest among filmmakers in using the festival as a platform to present their work and engage with audiences in Dhofar.

The programme includes six competitive categories: Best Omani Short Fiction Film, Best International Short Fiction Film, Best Omani Documentary and Best International Documentary, alongside jury prizes for feature and documentary films.

The awards will recognise achievement in storytelling, directing, cinematography and documentary production.

The festival held its inaugural edition in September 2024 at the Sultan Qaboos Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah. Launched under the slogan ‘Be Part of the Event’, the first edition featured 41 short fiction and documentary films selected from nearly 200 submissions representing 18 countries.

From its outset, the festival has sought to promote Dhofar’s landscapes, heritage and cultural identity as potential settings for regional and international film productions. It also aims to provide emerging filmmakers with opportunities to present their work and expose local audiences to a wider range of cinematic experiences.

Rasheed Al Yafai, one of the organisers, said the festival was established to develop the skills of young filmmakers in scriptwriting, cinematography, acting and directing.

“It also offers participants opportunities to engage with leading regional and international film activities,” he said.

With a larger programme and wider participation, the festival is seeking to consolidate Oman’s position as a centre for cultural exchange and cinematic storytelling in the Gulf.