Muscat – The Omani film platform Aks has signed a cooperation agreement with the Kazan International Film Festival, opening new avenues for cinematic and cultural exchange between Oman and Russia.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 22nd edition of the festival in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, last week and aims to strengthen cooperation, exchange expertise and create new opportunities for filmmakers and young talent in both countries.

The partnership goes beyond participation in festivals and events, with plans for joint programmes and projects that connect filmmakers and provide greater opportunities for films and talent to reach international audiences and platforms.

Areas of cooperation include the exchange of films, directors, producers, guests and experts, as well as joint screenings, programmes and cinematic events. The agreement also covers training, professional development, specialised workshops and seminars, and the exchange of expertise in filmmaking and film festival organisation and management.

A key focus is supporting young filmmakers and students by providing opportunities to take part in international training programmes and film events, showcase their work to new audiences and benefit from different professional experiences.

The agreement also paves the way for joint film projects and co-productions, while seeking to expand the presence of Omani cinema at international festivals and forums.

It will also facilitate reciprocal screenings and cinematic events between Oman and Russia, contributing to cultural exchange and greater awareness of the film industries of both countries.

Another area of cooperation is promoting Oman as a destination for film production and shooting, highlighting its geographical, cultural and environmental diversity and its potential as a location for future international film projects.

Fahad bin Ramadan Al Maimani, founder of Aks, said the agreement aims to turn the partnership into tangible opportunities and projects, ranging from film screenings and exchanges of filmmakers and expertise to training and development.

“Through this agreement, we aspire to open up greater opportunities for Omani films and talent, particularly youth and students, to access and benefit from international experiences,” Al Maimani said.

“At the same time, we aim to raise the profile of Omani cinema and showcase the sultanate’s stories, talent and potential within the film industry.”

He said the value of the agreement would ultimately be measured by the projects and initiatives that emerge from it.

“We look forward to seeing Omani films screened in Kazan and Russian films and cinematic events hosted in Oman, as well as joint training and knowledge-exchange programmes,” Al Maimani said.

“We also hope this cooperation will eventually lead to the production of projects and films that bring together filmmakers from both sides.”

The partnership is expected to contribute to the development of Oman’s cultural and artistic landscape through cinema, while creating opportunities for filmmakers to share their stories, culture and identity and build professional and cultural links.

Aks is a non-profit, youth-led Omani cultural initiative focused on supporting and developing the local film scene, empowering young filmmakers and promoting Omani cinema to wider audiences.

The platform organises the Aks University Film Festival and conducts training programmes, workshops, challenges and other cinematic events, while seeking to build local and international partnerships that support talent development and create new opportunities for Omani filmmakers.