Muscat – The University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Oman Film Society (OFS) on Tuesday, with the aim of strengthening collaboration in the fields of filmmaking, film criticism, youth skills development, and support for national talents in the cinema sector.

The memorandum was signed Dr Ahmed Mohammed Al Maamari, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at UTAS, and Anwar Khamis Al Razaiqi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the OFS.

Under the memorandum, the two parties will cooperate in several academic and professional areas, including contributing to the establishment and development of specialised academic programmes in filmmaking, providing technical and academic consultations for curriculum and study plan development, exchanging expertise between faculty members and society specialists, and organising lectures and specialised workshops in various fields of cinema.

The areas of cooperation also include providing training opportunities for university students through the OFS in accordance with the regulations of both parties, as well as involving academic staff in workshops, lectures, scientific conferences, and specialized research activities.

The memorandum further aims to facilitate cooperation in organising a university film festival dedicated to showcasing student films, discovering emerging talents, and encouraging cinematic creativity. It also provides for collaboration in media and artistic coverage of film-related events and activities organized by both parties.

In addition, the memorandum provides for the mutual utilisation of logistical resources and facilities available to both parties, including halls, studios, laboratories, and technical facilities, to support the efficient implementation of joint programmes and activities.

The agreement reflects the commitment of both parties to establishing an effective partnership that contributes to developing the creative capabilities of students and young people, while enhancing the presence of cultural and creative industries in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to support the knowledge-based economy and promote cultural and creative sectors, stated a press release.