Omani documentary 'Al Zeeg' bags first prize in Algeria

Algeria: The Omani documentary 'Al Zeeg', directed by Salah Al Hadhrami, bagged first prize at the International Heritage Film Days, in its second session, which lasted three days.

'Al Zeeg', produced by Oman Film and Theater Society, showcases in a theatrical way the relationship between Omani people and the cultivation and production of Omani sugarcane. It also touches on humanitarian, economic and social aspects related to this profession.

It also sheds light on the conditions and results of its manufacturing process which is a mix of pleasure and difficulties. It also highlights the nutritional and economic value, the social impact, and how to accept modernisation in this field.

The head of the jury, Tunisian director Leila Belrahoma, confirmed, during the award ceremony that the films selected this year “are distinguished by their work on the aesthetics of the cinematic image, the depth of the presentation, and the method of dealing with the subject, as well as the film’s connection to the problem of heritage and its presentation in a decent artistic form.”

It is worth noting that the second session of the International Cinema Days for Heritage Films competed for the short documentary film, with the participation of 10 documentary films from several Arab countries, most notably: Algeria (host country), the Sultanate of Oman, Palestine (guest of honour), Tunisia, Libya, and Syria.

Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. This cinematic event included the programming of five workshops for the benefit of students and enthusiasts of the seventh art in various cinematographic professions.