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]
