Kazan – Oman is making a notable mark at the 22nd edition of the Kazan International Film Festival ‘Altyn Minbar’, being held in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, from September 4 to 8, 2026.

Oman is represented by Fahad bin Ramadhan Al-Maimani, lecturer in the Department of Photography at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, who is serving as a member of the festival’s international jury. The Omani feature film Lego Queen, directed by Haitham Sulaiman, is also being screened as part of the festival programme.

The Kazan International Film Festival is among the film projects supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and is held with the support of the leadership of the Republic of Tatarstan. It brings together directors, producers, filmmakers and cinema professionals from around the world, providing an international platform for cultural exchange and dialogue through cinema.

Al-Maimani was selected to serve on the international jury alongside renowned Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi, who chairs the jury. Other members include Lyubov Balagova-Kandour and Anton Schwarz of Russia, André Raphael Ivanov of France, Hanna Ward of Syria and Ivan Khadir of Algeria.

The Omani filmmaker’s selection is significant, reflecting the growing international recognition of Omani cinematic talent and the increasing presence of Oman’s filmmakers and productions at major international festivals.

“I greatly value this confidence. I believe that selecting an Omani filmmaker to serve on the jury of an international film festival does not represent the individual alone; it also reflects recognition of the level Omani cinema has reached and the capabilities of those working within the sector,” Al-Maimani said.

“At the same time, it places a greater responsibility on us to continue developing and strengthening Oman’s presence on the international cinematic stage,” he added.

He said his participation in the festival offers an important opportunity to engage with directors, producers and filmmakers from different parts of the world and to present Oman as a promising destination for international film production.

“Oman’s rich cultural, geographical and environmental diversity encompasses mountains, deserts, coastlines, cities, villages and historical sites, alongside a distinctive cultural and civilisational heritage. This offers filmmakers a wide variety of visual and production possibilities,” he said.

According to Al-Maimani, such international engagements can help establish professional relationships with filmmakers and institutions that could lead to productions being filmed in Oman, co-production projects, exchanges of knowledge and expertise, and training and professional development opportunities.

They can also create greater opportunities for Omani filmmakers and films to gain exposure at international festivals, platforms and among global audiences, he said.

Oman’s participation at this year’s festival is further strengthened by Lego Queen, highlighting the country’s presence through both professional representation on an international jury and the showcasing of an Omani cinematic production.

Al-Maimani stressed that the value of participating in international festivals extends beyond the event itself, particularly through the relationships, partnerships and future projects that can emerge from such engagements.

“We want the world to discover Oman through its stories, while at the same time encouraging international filmmakers to see the Sultanate as a destination capable of hosting their productions,” he said.

“Cinema knows no borders; we may differ in language, culture and geography, but when a story is honest, we all feel it. Oman has many stories that deserve to be told and shared with the world,” he added.

The 22nd edition of the festival has attracted significant international participation, receiving 1,030 film submissions from 67 countries. A total of 55 films were selected for the official competition, underscoring the festival’s international reach and the diversity of cinematic perspectives represented in its programme.

Oman’s participation in the Kazan International Film Festival adds to the country’s growing presence at international cinematic events, helping promote national talent, strengthen links with global filmmakers and institutions, and open new avenues for collaboration, co-production and the attraction of international film projects to Oman.