Latest news with #NeverDiveAlone
Muscat Daily
5 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
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Omani film Never Dive Alone wins top prize in Morocco
Muscat – Omani filmmaker Fahad al Maimani's Never Dive Alone has won the Best Documentary Film Award at the sixth Ad Dakhla International Film Festival in Morocco, marking its 12th international accolade. The festival, held from May 22 to 24, featured 24 films from various countries. Oman was represented by two entries – Dahjan Al Ward by Mohammed Al Ajmi, and Never Dive Alone, which emerged as the winner in the documentary category. Fahad al Maimani 'This film was born from friendship and a sincere human moment on a simple Omani beach,' Maimani told Muscat Daily. 'We wanted to express that loyalty is not measured by time, and that the beauty of the Sea of Oman is incomplete without the stories of the people who have lived there and embraced it. This award is a testament to the noble relationship between people and place.' The documentary, shot in the Daymaniyat Islands, explores the bond between communities and their environment. Maimani's direction, particularly the visual narrative, has drawn international attention. 'My happiness has doubled with this award,' he said. 'Each festival – from Russia to Spain, Italy to the United States, Morocco to Egypt – has reaffirmed that a true story finds its way to hearts, regardless of language.' The film was developed by an all-Omani team, including screenwriter Amjad al Kalbani, director of photography Nasser al Darai, and photographers Elias al Rahbi and Yousef al Mukhaini. 'Their combined expertise contributed significantly to the film's impact,' Maimani said.
