MUSCAT — The third European Union Film Festival in Muscat concluded on October 18, recognising filmmakers based in Oman after a week of screenings that drew more than 1,000 viewers, organisers said.

The festival, held at Cinépolis at Oman Avenues Mall, screened 20 films from Austria, Cyprus, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania and Spain.

It was organised by the European Union Delegation and the embassies of EU member states in Oman, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Oman Film Society, the International Film Foundation of Oman, Cinépolis Cinemas Oman and Nikon.

This year’s edition introduced a Short Film Competition, giving emerging and established filmmakers based in Oman a platform to showcase their work, reach wider audiences and gain recognition.

At the closing ceremony, Waham, directed by Issa Al Sushi, won Best Film. Dalila Ali received the Best Director award for Forbidden Flowers, while Higuita, directed by Nilanjana Sha, won Best Storyline. The Search, by Anirban Ray, received the Audience Award.

The ceremony also recognised winners of the Nikon 48H Challenge. Nazar Hussain Al Ramimmy of National University took first prize for Fathers Luban. Mahmuod Al Baluchi of UTAS won second prize for A Different Eye, while Younus Khalifa Al Ghafri of National University placed third with A Simple Gesture.

Organisers said the awards recognised originality, artistic vision and storytelling, highlighting the diversity of local and Omani filmmaking talent.

Christophe Farnaud, the European Union’s ambassador to Oman, said the festival had become an established part of cultural exchange.

“The third European Union Film Festival in Oman sends a clear message: this cultural celebration has become an established tradition, welcomed, cherished and keenly awaited by our Omani friends,” he said.

“This year’s program offers a rich variety of genres, characters and stories spanning the full range of human emotions – from despair to hope, from fear to courage. It is a kaleidoscope of European lives and, ultimately, of all our lives. Come and immerse yourself in the diversity!”

Organisers said attendance reflected growing interest in international cinema and its capacity to bring cultures and communities closer together.

The festival sought to encourage dialogue and offer audiences perspectives on different cultures and experiences, while the Short Film Competition and Nikon 48H Challenge created opportunities to nurture local talent, support Oman’s developing film industry and encourage creative collaboration.