7 days ago
- 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.
