Muscat – The 3rd European Union Film Festival has opened applications for its Short Film Competition, inviting emerging and established filmmakers living in Oman to showcase their work.

The Embassy of Austria in Oman is the main organiser of the festival this year. 

Sudha Sha, an organiser of the festival, said, “The competition aims to celebrate creativity, innovation and the power of storytelling.”

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and either Omani nationals or residents of Oman. Films submitted must be original short fictional productions of between ten and 15 minutes, produced in Oman in 2025 or 2026.

The festival will shortlist 15 films for public screening. Three awards – Best Picture, Best Storyline and Best Director – will be presented, with each winner receiving RO500.

Films must be submitted in MP4 format, along with a valid Omani ID copy of the director, scriptwriter and producer, detailed production information and script.

English-language films must have Arabic subtitles, while Arabic films must carry English subtitles. Films in other languages require both Arabic and English subtitles.

The submission deadline is September 15, 2026 with entries to be sent to [email protected]

The festival will be held from October 11 to 18, 2026. The jury will include representatives from European Union embassies in Muscat, Oman Film Society and International Film Foundation Oman.