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Observer
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Observer
Veteran broadcaster, writer Mahmood Al Hasani passes away
Muscat: Oman's popular actor, writer, director, and owner of a voice that captivated the hearts of radio listeners bid farewell forever on Sunday morning, on June 1, 2025. He was extremely active on social media, but his last post on Instagram was a voice over on verses that convey 'Glory to God', posted on January 31, 2025. By afternoon, on June 1, 2025, family and friends were returning from the funeral in Seeb; many were speechless, finding it difficult to accept that smile and cheer will never be experienced again. Mahmood loved making people laugh. There was always something to be cheerful about when Mahmoud was around. His voice was distinc,t and his mind was creative. This is how he was when he was a child too. He was born in Muttrah; that is where he chose to live throughout. Murtada al Lawati was his childhood friend. "Mahmood Obaid from his childhood days was quite social. He showed his leadership qualities when the children used to play football or if they had gatherings. He was good at talking, and once he joined media, everybody knew the kind of boost he gave to the Omani media. He loved Muttrah. His heart was full of love for Oman and its heritage,' reflected Murthada. Why did Mahmood love Muttrah? "He lived there all his life. I remember as children we used to look at his grandfather's house, which was quite big. He knows all the streets of Muttrah, and because he was a person who would listen to everyone's issues and problems, he would advise people. I remember him since then. We lost contact when we grew up, but whenever we caught up, he would talk nicely. If you ask around in Muttrah, Mahmood Obaid is a friend of everybody. Even the streets of Muttrah will miss him. He used to talk about hidden parts of Muttrah. It is indeed a big loss because he was a very kind person who was loved. Mahmood Obaid will remain a figure in Oman, where the coming generations will somehow, I wish, talk about and cherish him. Mahmood Obaid was a real gentleman," concluded his childhood friend, Murthada, who went on to become an artist and businessman. By 1990, Mahmood had chosen media as his career. Renowned filmmaker Mohammed al Kindi and Mahmood began their careers on the same day. "We were employed by the Ministry of Information on the same day and at the same time. He went to the radio side, and I chose television. He went on to become a writer, actor and director and later worked in television series. He was a presenter as well. That was the practical side, pointed out Mohammed: "Mahmood was very kind. He was open to other people's opinions about his programs and critiquing. He was accessible. I personally had the opportunity to work on his radio series. He was extremely gifted in discovering new talents as writers and directors." Mohammed said that Mahmood will always be remembered by the way he used to teach others and how willingly he shared his knowledge. When he retired, he used to spend time at the Oman Film Society editing his YouTube series on Muttrah, which he filmed on his own. "We spent hours together at the Oman Film Society talking about the future of drama and theatre. Then there was a gap, and after a while I reached out, and he said he was not keeping too well but assumed that he would soon meet. He came back and was energetic, and I did not even have to ask him how he was doing. He did not speak of any ailments. But he became silent again, and when inquired, he sent a reply about his ailment," recollected Mohammed. Radio Oman broadcaster Nada al Balushi had worked with Mahmood in numerous programs in the last 30 years. "We worked in many programs, characterized by unforgettable spirit, voice, and creativity. Today we lost Mahmoud, the person, artist, teacher, and friend. We lost him, but his impact remains, and his spirit remains alive with what he left in terms of unforgettable moments, attitudes, feelings, and deeds. "You are but a line in the book of loyalty, a thread in the fabric of the homeland, and a voice that God once gave us, then gently reclaimed," wrote Ibrahim Ali al Batashi in his tribute to the national broadcaster. Moved by the loss of a voice that everyone identified with, he wrote, "Today, as we write about him, we are not only mourning him but also a time when the radio was a father, when the broadcaster was a friend to the family, and when Mahmoud Al-Hasani was all of Oman... in one voice." He writes, "Mahmood was not just a broadcaster... he was an Omani chronicle read across the airwaves. Whenever he spoke, you felt the Sultanate of Oman, in all its majesty—its white robe, its carved dagger, and its sublime serenity—stood behind the microphone."
Muscat Daily
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
New book chronicles five decades of Omani cinema
Muscat – Filmmaker and Oman Film Society (OFS) board member Mohammad al Kindi has released a book – titled Tahwalet Cinema Omaniya 1970-2020 (History of Cinema in Oman) – documenting the evolution of the sultanate's film industry over five decades. The 279-page book is the first of its kind to trace the journey of Omani cinema, starting from the 1970s with special focus on the transformative years under the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said. It provides a detailed account of how passionate filmmakers, often with limited resources, shaped a distinct art form. Reflecting on the book's significance, Kindi said, 'This book is an ode to the makers who lit the cinematic flame in Oman. Their stories are not just about making films, but about building a movement, often against the odds. The book doesn't stop at filmmakers, also paying tribute to journalists, theatre personalities and business leaders who played vital roles in supporting the growth of the medium.' The book profiles key figures of the Omani film industry, including pioneering cameramen Taghlib al Barwani and Mohammad Zubair, OFS founding members Haitham al Tai and Khalid al Zadjali, veteran journalist Sheikh Hamood Siyabi, and the late actor-director Salim Bahwan. One section of the book covers the history of OFS, from its early days as a gathering of film enthusiasts to its current status as an influential institution headquartered in Seeb. It also touches on the impact of film fests, such as Muscat International Film Festival and Oman Film Festival, highlighting the role of these in nurturing local talent and fostering international collaborations. Mohammad al Kindi Kindi informed that the idea for the book took shape while he was preparing a lecture for a book festival in France in 2019. 'While researching for my speech, I uncovered fascinating stories of filmmakers across Oman. That's when I knew this had to become a book,' he said. Over the next five years, Kindi travelled across Oman, collecting stories and archives for the project. He plans to release a second volume covering the period starting from 2020. The book is currently available for purchase through Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and can also be accessed at the OFS library. Kindi recently showcased his book at the WAVES Summit in Mumbai, where he was invited as a guest by the Indian Embassy in Oman.
Muscat Daily
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Muscat book fair highlights role of arts in national identity
Muscat – Oman's cultural aspirations took centre stage at the 29th Muscat International Book Fair where two panel discussions focused on enhancing Oman's theatrical and cinematic arts. The Directorate General of Arts hosted a panel discussion titled 'The Role of Theatre in Building Cultural Awareness' on Sunday exploring how Omani youth are working to develop the national theatre movement. Speakers highlighted the status of youth theatre groups, prospects for specialised education, and the role of cultural institutions in promoting wider public participation. Ahmed bin Dhahi al Shibli, playwright and director, said theatre has played a role in enhancing cultural awareness. He elaborated on its contribution to reinforcing national identity and facilitating creative knowledge-sharing. Playwright Omran bin Saleh al Rahbi described theatre as an intellectual platform that addresses societal issues 'with honesty and objectivity'. He emphasised the need for inclusive theatre that welcomes people with disabilities. Writer and playwright Osama bin Zayed al Shaqsi called for a strong literary foundation for theatre, stating, 'Reading and writing are the backbone of theatrical thought.' He added that powerful texts enrich life experiences and deepen cultural understanding. The discussion concluded with a call to tap into regional and international experiences to develop the national theatre scene in alignment with the broader goals of Oman Vision 2040. On Saturday, Oman Film Society organised a dialogue titled 'Transforming Omani Novels into Films' at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. The session examined the potential of Omani literature for film, the challenges of adaptation and the need for collaboration among writers, directors and screenwriters. Anwar bin Khamis al Ruzaiqi, Vice-Chairman of Oman Film Society, said the detailed portrayal of environment and characters in Omani novels offer rich material for filmmakers. 'Oman's cultural and historical diversity significantly contributes to the success of our film industry,' he said. He noted the growing international recognition of Omani short films and the rising profile of feature and documentary productions. On the narrative structure for cinema, playwright and author Noureddine bin Moosa al Hashimi said, 'Omani stories have both cultural and economic value and offer meaningful ways to address social issues.' Oman Film Society continues its efforts to promote Omani culture and heritage through cinema, contributing to narratives that resonate locally and internationally, while supporting the country's cultural tourism initiatives. Both sessions formed part of the wider efforts of Muscat book fair to promote the arts in line with Oman Vision 2040 objectives of preserving cultural identity and fostering sustainable community engagement. Anwar bin Khamis al Ruzaiqi, Vice-Chairman of Oman Film Society
Muscat Daily
15-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Omani films shine at Malda International Film Festival
Muscat – Two Omani films, Beta Carotene and Ta, have won top honours at the Malda International Film Festival in Kolkata, India, marking a significant achievement for Omani cinema on the global stage. Directed by Mohammed bin Ali al Darwaish, the films secured awards in two major categories, reflecting the growing recognition of Omani filmmakers internationally. The two-minute silent short film Ta won Best Short Film, while Beta Carotene was awarded Best Documentary Film. The festival, which received over 4,000 submissions from 43 countries, selected only 300 films for screening, making the achievement particularly notable. 'To win at such a competitive festival is a huge honour,' Darwaish told Muscat Daily. 'So far, the two films have collectively earned 12 awards from international festivals, and the recognition in India is another significant milestone.' Ta, produced during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the issue of child safety and kidnapping. Shot in Amerat and Muttrah, it presents a gripping narrative featuring five characters in emotionally charged situations. The film's production posed challenges, particularly as Darwaish experimented with animation for the first time. 'It took longer than expected because I ventured into animation. My background is in documentaries, so this was a new challenge. I shot the scenes, hand-painted elements, and then brought them to life with animation. I wanted to create something distinct.' Beta Carotene explores Oman's unique natural landscapes, focusing on its mysterious lakes and the marine bacteria that contribute to their formation. The 12-minute documentary, produced by Oman Film Society, was made with assistant director and editor Hussain al Balushi and scriptwriter Mohammed bin Khalifa al Rasbi.
Observer
15-03-2025
- Science
- Observer
OMANI FILM WINS BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY
KOLKATA: An Omani short documentary, 'Beta Carotene', was awarded the Best Short Documentary at the Malda International Film Festival in Kolkata, India. The 12-minute film, produced by the Oman Film Society, showcases the stunning and diverse natural landscapes of Oman, with a focus on the country's unique lakes, which are named after a type of marine bacteria. The film was created by a talented group of young Omanis, including director Mohammed bin Ali al Darwish, assistant director and editor Hussain al Balushi, script and production manager Mohammed bin Khalifa al Rasbi, assistant photographer and location manager Abdulaziz al Habsi, and graphic designer Ali al Hanai. Additionally, Engineer Ahmed al Barwani and geologist Hussam al Rawahy contributed to the project. The competition, which saw over 4,000 films submitted, selected only 300 to compete for awards. Beta Carotene's victory highlights Omani talent on an international platform and celebrates the country's rich natural heritage. — ONA
