Wednesday 30 / September / 2026
MUSCAT: The European Union Mission and the embassies of EU Member States in the Sultanate of Oman, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, Oman Film Society and International Film Foundation of Oman, announced today the holding of the third edition of the European Film Festival 2026 in Muscat Governorate from 11 to 18 October.
The festival is classified as a cinematic and cultural event featuring screenings of selected European films, along with cinematic activities and programs aimed at enhancing communication and cultural exchange between the Sultanate of Oman and Europe.
The festival aims to introduce European cinema and its diversity, support talent and filmmakers in the Sultanate of Oman, and encourage cooperation and creativity in the cinematic field.
The festival will screen 20 films from Austria, Cyprus, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, and Spain, highlighting the diversity of contemporary European cinematic creativity.
Christophe Farnaud, Ambassador of the European Union to the Sultanate of Oman, said: “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. 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!”
Christophe Ceska, Ambassador of Austria to the Sultanate of Oman, speaking on behalf of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, said: “The return of the European Union Film Festival to Muscat is another tangible expression of the deep and growing partnership between the European Union and Oman. The festival introduces Omani audiences to the diversity of European cinema while providing talented Omani filmmakers with a platform to present their work. Cinema enables us to see the world through the eyes of others, making it a powerful means of promoting cultural exchange, dialogue and mutual understanding.”
Sayyid Said bin Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture, said the Ministry’s participation reflects its belief in cinema’s important role in fostering cultural dialogue and bringing people and cultures closer together.
He highlighted the festival as an opportunity to discover diverse European cinematic experiences, support Oman’s growing film sector and create new opportunities for cooperation between Omani and European cultural and artistic communities.
Anwar bin Khamis al-Raziqi, President of the Oman Film Society, welcomed the festival and particularly the Short Film Competition as a platform for young Omani talent, stressing the Society’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships and developing Oman’s film sector.
Sudha Sha, Director of IFFO, welcomed the festival’s continued growth and noted that the new competition would give local filmmakers an opportunity to gain recognition while further strengthening cultural exchange between Europe and Oman.
A special highlight this year is the Short Film Competition, organized with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and the Oman Film Society.
Open to emerging and established filmmakers in Oman, it provides a platform to showcase local creativity and storytelling.
Shortlisted films will be presented in free public screenings from 12 to 14 October, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
