Monday 02 / December / 2024
Muscat: The National Museum inaugurated on Monday the premiere of the documentary film “al-Khanjar” produced by RT Arabic in collaboration with the Ministry of Information.
The event was held under the patronage of Abdullah Nasser Al Harrasi, Minister of Information, and attended by several distinguished guests and individuals interested in media and museum affairs. The chief guest said in a press statement that the production of the film reflects the strength of Omani-Russian relations in the fields of culture and media. He added that the film production also underlines the two countries’ keenness on consolidating global cultural diversity and highlighting Omani civilization, in Russia and the world.
Dr. Abdullah stressed that the Ministry of Information supports all media initiatives that spotlight Oman and its cultural potential at the international level. He pointed out that such international media initiatives also contribute to enhancing economic aspects like tourism and investment.
The minister added that the Ministry of Information encourages such media initiatives with many countries, notably by hosting international journalists and supporting media production about Oman. This, he explained, would help boost Oman’s global presence.
On his turn, Jamal Hassan Al Moosawi, Secretary-General of the National Museum, stated during his speech at the ceremony “The launch of the documentary film ‘al-Khanjar’ represents a significant step in showcasing one of the most prominent Omani cultural symbols, which forms an integral part of Oman’s identity and rich heritage.
The Omani khanjar was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2022.
This valued initiative, carried out in collaboration with RT Arabic, highlights the partnership between the National Museum and the State Hermitage Museum through the symbolism and narrative of the Omani khanjar and its historical evolution. It underscores the exceptional craftsmanship of Omanis in preserving this authentic emblem.”
He added: “at the National Museum, we are committed to conveying Oman’s cultural message to the world and enhancing international partnerships related to culture and museology, which then supports cultural tourism and expands new opportunities for this sector. This documentary film is a vivid example of the importance of cultural collaboration in bringing aspects of Omani heritage to a wider audience, and reinforcing Oman’s status as a global cultural destination.”
On her part, Anisa Murad, Director of the Programs Department at RT Arabic, said: “Working on this film was not a simple exploration to document the history of the Omani khanjar, and the transfer of a unique khanjar from the National Museum in Muscat to the State Hermitage Museum in Russia, but also an opportunity to discover Oman’s traditions and astonishing resilient culture against globalisation to preserve its national identity. In this culture, we find a great similarity with Russia, which strives to maintain its cultural imprint in a rapidly changing world.”
The 28 minutes-film takes the viewer on a journey through time and space to trace the history and development of the Omani khanjar, highlighting its change in shape from the 17th century, during the era of the Imamate of al Yarubi Dynasty to the splendour of the Saidi khanjar. It has maintained its status and significance to this day, becoming an integral part of Oman’s cultural identity and a national symbol.
The film guides the viewer across deserts, wilderness, plains, mountains, and vast seas to explore the various styles of Omani khanjars, which differ across Oman’s regions, while answering the question: What makes the Omani khanjar a symbol of prestige and dignity, and an authentic identity that remains unaffected by the waves of globalization?
The events of the film take the viewer from the Sultanate of Oman to the Russian Federation, unveiling a unique khanjar belonging to Sultan Hamoud bin Mohammed al-Busaidi, the Sultan of Zanzibar (who reigned from 1896 to 1902). This khanjar was loaned from the National Museum in Muscat to the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, where it now adorns the “Oman Gallery” at the famous Russian museum.
The documentary film was prepared by Anisa Murad, directed by Karim Najib, and the soundtrack was recorded by both Ahmed and Mohamed Saleh. It features a group of khanjar makers and restorers from the Sultanate of Oman, as well as National Museum staff.
The film was shot at various locations in the Sultanate of Oman, including the National Museum, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House Muscat, the Oman Across Ages Museum, and the wilayats of Nizwa and Sur, in addition to St. Petersburg city in the Russian Federation.
The film premier is followed by activities that include a discussion session with the film producers from RT Arabic, dedicated to journalists, writers, and literary figures; and film screening day for the Russian community. Additionally, there will be a training workshop on documentary filmmaking for media students from various colleges in the Sultanate of Oman.
It is worth noting that the trailer for the film was revealed during the events following the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, as part of Oman’s first-time participation as a guest country.
Special screenings of the film will be organised within cultural exhibitions in the Sultanate of Oman and abroad.
