Muscat – The Omani Film Society has added another achievement to its growing international record after two films backed by the society received honours at the 7th Dcheira International Film Festival in Morocco, held from June 23 to 27.

The short documentary Al Manyoor, directed by Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Ajmi, won the Jury Prize, while feature film The Lego Queen, directed by Haitham Al Musallami, received a Special Mention from the festival jury.

The two productions competed in the festival’s official selection alongside 23 films from Africa, Asia and Europe, underscoring the increasing prominence of Omani cinema and the ability of local filmmakers to tell stories that resonate with international audiences.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Al Ajmi said the Jury Prize recognised Al Manyoor for its visual and humanistic portrayal of an important aspect of Omani cultural heritage through a cinematic language that blends documentary storytelling with contemporary artistic techniques.

The documentary centres on the traditional game of Al Zamt, capturing the excitement surrounding the event, including team preparations, venue arrangements and judging procedures. At the heart of the tradition is the Al Manyoor – a large wooden apparatus fitted with a motor that produces a distinctive and powerful sound.

“The film explores a treasured aspect of Omani heritage and relies on the unique sound of the Al Manyoor to narrate its story,” Al Ajmi said. 

He described the documentary as an effort to preserve a living tradition deeply rooted in Oman’s coastal communities through a cinematic approach capable of reaching audiences beyond the sultanate.

The latest recognition marks the fourth international award for Al Manyoor, which has previously participated in festivals in South Korea, Kenya, Lebanon, India, Egypt and Bahrain, among other countries.

Meanwhile, The Lego Queen, which received a Special Mention from the jury, tells the story of Dhi, a young woman who lost her mother in childhood. The tragedy leaves a deep emotional scar, leading her to make a firm decision never to marry or enter into a romantic relationship for fear of experiencing another painful loss.

Through its poignant narrative, the film explores themes of grief, emotional trauma and the long-lasting impact of childhood bereavement on personal relationships.

Al Ajmi said the latest accolades reflect the dedication and creativity of Omani filmmakers and serve as an incentive to continue producing works that preserve Oman’s heritage and showcase its cultural identity to international audiences.

Al Manyoor was produced with support from the Omani Film Society, Al Batinah Film Festival and the Ministry of Information’s Ayn platform as part of ongoing efforts to support Omani filmmaking, encourage productions documenting national heritage and strengthen Oman’s presence at international film festivals.