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.
