The 5th edition of the Cinemana International Festival commenced on Sunday at the Khasab Sports and Cultural Club in Khasab. This prestigious event is organized by the Office of the Governor of Musandam Governorate, in collaboration with various government departments and private sector establishments. Under the patronage of Sayyid Said bin Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture, the festival aims to highlight the cultural, tourism, and economic aspects through its diverse range of activities and events.
One of the primary objectives of the Cinemana International Festival is to promote the culture of cinema and its significant role in the cultural arena. Additionally, it seeks to identify and support emerging talents in the film industry, while encouraging the development of innovative content.
During the opening ceremony, the titles of the participating films were announced, including six feature-length documentaries and eleven short documentaries. The event also featured the screening of the film 'A Tale of a Castle,' directed by Omani filmmaker Sultan Al Ahmed, which portrays the captivating story of Khasab Fort. The festival paid tribute to Omani artists, Arab guests, and the government and private entities that sponsored the event.
Furthermore, the opening ceremony marked the launch of the Cinema of Al Ajyal (generations) team, operating under the Culture, Sports, and Youth umbrella. Led by Dr. Khalid bin Abdulrahim Al Zadjali, Chairman of the Cinemana International Festival, this team aims to foster the growth of the film industry through a modern academic approach.
Dr. Al Zadjali emphasized that the selection of Musandam Governorate as the festival's venue was based on its strategic location and diverse topography, which perfectly align with the requirements of the film industry.