Latest news with #Ajmi
Muscat Daily
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Omani films showcased at 14th Arab Film Festival in Korea
Muscat – Oman Film Society (OFS) presented two Omani productions – Al Manyoor by Mohammed bin Abdullah al Ajmi and Never Dive Alone by Fahad bin Ramadan al Maimani – at the 14th Arab Film Festival in Korea. Organised by Korea-Arab Society, the festival ran from July 18 to August 3 and featured entries from 12 Arab countries. The Omani films were screened at Busan Cinema Centre and Gwangju's National Asian Culture Centre. Both films were also made available on Naver TV extending reach to audiences across South Korea. OFS's participation aligned with its ongoing efforts to enhance the presence of Omani cinema on international platforms, promote national productions that reflect the identity of Omani society, and share cultural narratives with a wider audience. Al Manyoor focuses on the traditional game of Al Zamt, capturing the competitive spirit and preparations of teams, venue setup and judging procedures. Central to this tradition is the Al Manyoor, a large traditional wooden apparatus fitted with a motor designed to produce a loud sound. 'Delving into a treasured cultural heritage, the film is in documentary format and relies on the distinctive sound of the Al Manyoor to tell the story,' Ajmi said. He described Al Manyoor as an attempt to document a 'living tradition closely associated to coastal life through a cinematic language that resonates globally'. Never Dive Alone follows the journey of Omani sailors Faisal al Yazidi and Ahmed al Busaidi, highlighting their bond with the sea. The film explores the natural marine beauty of Oman, blending adventure with environmental reflection. Ajmi described participation in the festival in Korea as an important milestone. 'It is not only a cultural and artistic accomplishment, but also a responsibility to preserve and share the maritime heritage of the sultanate,' he stated. Participating in film festivals abroad is part of OFS's broader vision to support and empower Omani filmmakers and to showcase their creative work in global forums that celebrate artistic expression and cultural diversity.
Muscat Daily
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Al Batinah International Film Festival returns in October
Muscat – The third edition of Al Batinah International Film Festival will be held from October 27 to 30 in Suhar, North Batinah. Oman Film Society made the announcement on Tuesday in cooperation with North Batinah Governor's Office and invited filmmakers from Oman and abroad to submit entries by September 20. The biennial event, which is gaining reputation as a cultural platform, will feature competitions for short documentaries, narrative shorts and feature films. All entries must have been produced between 2023 and 2024 and be of two- to 20-minute duration. Submissions must be in MOV or MP4 format, with subtitles. Films deemed offensive or discriminatory will not be accepted, and selected works will become part of the festival's archive. Mohammad bin Abdullah al Ajmi, Chairman of Oman Film Society, said the festival is a continuation of efforts to support Omani talent and promote a professional platform for creative expression. 'Cinema today is a tool for cultural and economic development, and a means of expressing national identity and contributing to the creative economy,' he said. Mohammad bin Abdullah al Ajmi Ajmi noted that the festival aligns with the principles of decentralisation under Oman Vision 2040, which encourages governorates to lead cultural initiatives and manage development efforts independently. 'This festival is more than a competition; it is a celebration of storytelling and a bridge between cultures,' Ajmi said. 'We are proud to see increasing interest from international filmmakers and remain committed to nurturing talent, elevating standards to position Oman as a serious voice in global cinema.' Ajmi added that Oman Film Society will continue to work with public and private sector partners to deliver cultural events that meet the expectations of Omani youth and contribute to the development of a vibrant film industry. Submission guidelines and forms are available through the festival's official channels or via email at [email protected]
Muscat Daily
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Filmmakers call for cinema depicting Omani culture
Muscat – Leading Omani filmmakers and cinema experts are calling for a genuine, globally competitive film industry rooted in local culture to convey Oman's identity to the world. Mohammed bin Abdullah al Ajmi, President of Oman Film Society (OFS), said culture must be at the heart of developing authentic national cinema. 'We have a deep reservoir of narratives that can lift cinema from entertainment to a platform for intellectual and cultural dialogue,' he said. Ajmi highlighted Oman's linguistic diversity and rich heritage of folktales as fertile ground for symbolic and spiritual storytelling. He added that the country's diverse landscapes – from deserts to mountains and coastlines – should be consciously integrated into films, shaping stories that showcase the natural beauty. Mohammed bin Abdullah al Ajmi, President of Oman Film Society 'These landscapes embody a philosophy of life that is distinctly Omani yet universal,' Ajmi said. He urged investment in a full cinematic ecosystem, including local and international festivals and dedicated screening platforms. 'Festivals are vital for creative exchange. These allow Omani filmmakers to connect with global intellects and artistic trends,' he said. Ajmi stressed that true global appeal does not mean compromising cultural authenticity. 'Audiences want honest cinematic voices. Nothing is more genuine than stories told from one's roots.' Filmmaker Anwar bin Khamis al Ruzeiqi described Omani cultural elements as 'hidden treasures' that can anchor a distinctive national cinema. He encouraged filmmakers to reinterpret local narratives through modern cinematic language and emphasised the narrative power of Oman's landscapes. 'Oman's settings are not just backgrounds – they mirror emotions and carry symbolic weight,' Ruzeiqi said. He called for bigger festivals, co-productions, and nurturing of young talent to raise technical standards and broaden reach. Filmmaker Anwar bin Khamis al Ruzeiqi 'For international success, our cinema must tackle universal themes from an Omani perspective – authentic stories told in a unique visual and narrative style,' he said, adding that strategic marketing is key to taking these stories abroad. Filmmaker Muzna al Musafer said Oman's cinema must move beyond traditional portrayals and capture the spirit of the modern Omani. 'We need a vision that shows people in harmony with nature, yet in step with contemporary life. Filmmakers must develop this vision and present it to the world with sophistication.' Qaisar bin Salem al Hinai, another filmmaker, said Oman's cultural and natural wealth provides a strong foundation for cinema with cross-cultural appeal. 'From Musandam's linguistic diversity to Dhofar's oral heritage and our landscapes – these are the raw materials for a cinema that is authentic and relatable globally,' he said. 'Omani cinema can become a voice that connects cultures, but this demands sustained investment in artistic vision and technical skills without losing touch with our heritage.'
Muscat Daily
18-06-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
KOM attracts 27 new projects worth RO28mn in 2024
Muscat – Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM), the technology park operating under the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn), attracted 27 new projects in 2024, drawing investments exceeding RO28mn across a total area of 48,000 sqm. This achievement reflects KOM's ongoing commitment to positioning Oman as a dynamic, knowledge-based economy driven by diversity, growth, and sustainability. Eng Jaafar al Ajmi, Director General of KOM, said that the cumulative investment volume at KOM had risen to RO312.52mn by the end of 2024. The number of projects has now surpassed 200, employing 2,621 individuals and occupying a total area of 759,566 sqm. Ajmi also outlined Madayn's upcoming development plans for KOM, including the construction of a multi-storey car park and the establishment of a 1.4MW solar photovoltaic power plant. He added that Madayn has completed infrastructure works related to the Ring Road project, launched a smart mobility initiative using e-scooters within KOM, developed a pedestrian walkway in the Boulevard Zone, and installed a new perimeter security fence around the premises. In alignment with Madayn's broader smart city initiatives and its commitment to enhancing Oman's business ecosystem, Ajmi highlighted KOM's successful field test of the RTK GNSS L700H tablet – an advanced GIS device used for surveying and mapping infrastructure. 'Additionally, KOM has partnered with Drone First Company to pilot the use of drones for cleaning building exteriors. This initiative aims to conserve water, promote the use of eco-friendly materials, and enhance sustainability in facilities management. It will also improve safety by reducing the need for manual labour in high-risk environments, while aligning with global trends in smart, efficient solutions,' he explained. Through Knowledge Oasis Muscat, Madayn continues to attract international and regional firms seeking to expand or relocate their operations within the Sultanate. KOM also plays a vital role in supporting start-ups and SMEs focused on technology and innovation by offering world-class infrastructure and comprehensive support services. Furthermore, KOM fosters collaboration between academic institutions and knowledge-driven enterprises, contributing to a vibrant ecosystem that promotes innovation and knowledge exchange in line with Oman Vision 2040.
