The Oman Film Society was among the regional organizations present at this year’s Red Sea Souk, aiming to highlight the growing potential of Omani cinema both as a creative industry and an attractive shooting destination. Anwar Al Ruzeiqi, Vice President of the Oman Film Society spoke with Asian Movie Pulse about the society’s mission to support filmmaking talent and its efforts to internationalize Omani film culture.

Founded in 2001, the Oman Film Society operates as a government-funded, non-profit institution with the goal of developing local filmmaking and promoting the country’s rich geographical variety to producers abroad. From vast deserts to lush green mountains, coastal scenery, and striking cave systems, Oman is actively pitching itself to foreign productions through the initiative “Make Your Film in Oman,” which Al Ruzeiqi expects will attract a wider range of international shoots in the coming years.

Central to the Society’s operations is talent development. Through a series of hands-on training campaigns, young filmmakers are taught screenwriting, directing, cinematography, lighting, color correction, and festival submission strategies — a program that has resulted in around 80 short films, documentaries, and features produced within just the last two years. Omani titles have begun traveling abroad, with several gaining recognition and awards at international festivals.

Oman also maintains an active festival scene. The Muscat International Film Festival, one of the oldest regional film events, was launched in the same year as the Society’s founding and continues to draw both local and international professionals. Additional smaller festivals around the country provide further exhibition opportunities for local creators.

Despite strong audience enthusiasm — with Bollywood, Hollywood, and Egyptian films leading cinema attendance — the industry still faces challenges in funding and investment. Sponsorships remain crucial for organizing festivals and training programs, which the Oman Film Society continues to pursue in partnership with the private sector.

The Society’s first-time participation in the Red Sea Souk has already yielded fruitful meetings and future collaborations, including potential festival exchanges and significant interest from producers looking into Oman as a filming location. Al Ruzeiqi also emphasized the country’s stability and welcoming stance on international cooperation, calling Oman “a peaceful country, friend to all.”

With a rapidly growing creative base and a strategic push toward international engagement, Omani cinema appears ready to take a more prominent position on the regional filmmaking map.