Here's what you can expect from the Oman-India Short Film Festival

Muscat: The Oman Film Society will showcase seven hours’ worth of movies during the upcoming Oman-India Short Film Festival.
The inaugural event to be held from August 8 to 10, will screen 10 short films by Omani and Indian directors at the Oman Journalist’s Association’s headquarters in Ghala.
“I was very satisfied with the films we received in the above-19 category,” said Mohammed Al Kindi, President of the Oman Film Society, during a recent press conference to promote the event.
“I was very pleased with the fact that Omani filmmakers worked with Indian filmmakers, and Indian filmmakers with Omani filmmakers. That was our aim—for all of us to be together, working together in harmony.”
Al Kindi was joined by Muscat Kalamandalam Director Gopa Kumar and Rakesh Adlakha, Chargé d’affaires of the Embassy of India in Muscat.
A total of 39 films were submitted in the above-19 category. Organisers shortlisted 32 films, of which 10 will be shown during the first two days of the festival.
“Of the 32, 10 are Arabic-language films, 10 were made by Omani directors, and another two were by Indian directors, directing in Arabic,” said Kumar.
“The other languages spoken in the shortlisted films are Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, and English, while two are silent films.”
“There are five jury members, two from India and three from Oman,” he added.
“The jury president will be Samaah Al Issa. The panel will also include film directors Ammar Al Ibrahim, Laila Habib, Raja Selin, and Dorasi Das.”
“Unfortunately, we received just one entry in the under-19 category, which we really appreciate,” shared Al Kindi.
“I believe the reason why not many participated is because most of those under the age of 19 are on vacation.”
“However, that is why we call this an experiment and next time we hope to see more, Inshallah,” he remarked. “Perhaps we will give them until the end of September or October to submit their features.”
The event will conclude with an award ceremony on August 10, which will be held at the Indian Embassy auditorium in Muscat.
The awards that will be handed out include Best Short Feature, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay Writer, and Best Photographer.