Muscat – Omani short film Family Portrait, directed by Qaisar Salim Al Hinai, has won second place for Best Film at the fourth Femto Art International Short Film Festival in Alexandria, Egypt.

Held from September 5 to 9, the festival screened the 10-minute film in its short-film competition at the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Alexandria.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Al Hinai described the award as an achievement for the entire team and a recognition of the potential of Omani cinema to reach wider audiences.

“Winning this award is an important achievement for me and the entire team. It confirms that Omani films can reach audiences and compete at Arab and international festivals,” he said.

Family Portrait follows a young girl who, on the morning of Eid, attempts to bring her family together for a group photograph. The seemingly simple effort gradually exposes the emotional distance and unspoken tensions within the household.

Unable to express her feelings through words, the girl turns to drawing, revealing emotions and realities that a photograph cannot capture.

The film reflects on memory, absence and the fragile relationships that can both unite a family and threaten its cohesion. At its heart, it raises a simple but deeply human question: Can a family truly be brought together in a single picture when the bonds between its members have already begun to fade?

The film was selected from 124 short narrative films, with 26 advancing to the competition.

Al Hinai said the award would encourage the team to continue producing films that reflect Omani society and identity while connecting with audiences across cultures.

“I dedicate this award to every member of the film team. The award is the result of collective effort, genuine cooperation and the contribution of everyone involved,” he said.

He also called for greater institutional support for Oman’s emerging film industry, including sustained production and funding.

“Cinema needs continuity in film production to achieve more successes. It also needs greater support from the relevant bodies to help filmmakers continue producing films,” he said.

Al Hinai suggested establishing a dedicated fund to support film production and enable filmmakers to participate in international festivals.

He also encouraged young people interested in filmmaking to develop their skills through workshops in screenwriting, directing and production.

“My advice to young people is to educate themselves first, start by taking the first step in filmmaking, and participate in film workshops covering screenwriting, directing, production and all stages of filmmaking,” he said.