Sara Al Balushiya`s film ‘Muscat is the Essence of Inspiration’ took first place and ‘Eye of the Sky’ came second
• 34 films presented a bright vision of Muscat as a tourist destination that combines authenticity and modernity
• The jury faced a challenge to select the works due to the submitted films’ quality and various creative imagery
• Creative works play a significant role in visual content enhancement and promote Muscat Governorate
The Muscat Governorate celebrated the closing ceremony of the ‘Muscat Inspires Us’ short film competition at the Jumeirah Muscat Bay Resort today (Sunday), under the sponsorship of His Excellency Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, in the presence of a number of their Excellencies and officials, film specialists and participants in the competition.
The ceremony was started with an introductory speech from Muscat Governorate, which introduced the competition’s purposes to promote artistic creativity and highlight the achievements of the governorate innovatively. Selected videos from the participating films, showing various ideas and artistic creativity, were also reviewed. The jury also praised the high standard of the participating films, confirming that the winning films were finally selected on precise standards that focused on originality, creativity, artistic quality, and presenting unique promotional messages.
Creative Competition
Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Ajmi, head of the Oman Film Society and the jury member, mentioned‘ The jury received 34 remarkable short films that presented a bright vision of Muscat as a global tourist destination that unites originality and modernity. The evaluation was conducted on standards of creativity and artistic quality. For example, film photography, directing and montage, and the clear promotional message in terms of the film`s appropriateness with the competition`s slogan. Besides, the emotional influence and visual attractiveness, regarding the film`s ability to inspire the audiences and tourism.
‘The jury faced a challenge to choose the award-winning works because of the submitted films’ quality, as each participation was featured with its special style and creative narration,’ added Al Ajmi. The jury is proud of the participating talents who submitted works that reflects a spirit of innovation and dedication.’
The jury finally expressed developing ideas and looking for the new and unfamiliar to increase the viewers` interests in the film. They also recommended increasing the geographical coverage of Muscat Governorate through creating promotional films that express the people and places and cover all the wilayats, from beaches to mountains, from traditional markets to modern landmarks. While showing the lively life in the capital city and the attractiveness of Muscat during the evening.
The jury also recommended a deep concept to the topic, and not to stay on the apparent idea, by providing the right questions and the imagery that reflects the film’s essence. As well as, the consideration of an initiative to create asub-competition ‘Muscat through the visitors’ eyes’.
Praise and Appreciation
The Muscat Governorate praised the jury’s role in choosing the best participating works contributing their experiences, confirming that the competition included the participation of directors, producers, students, amateurs and local companies specializing in filmmaking, photographers, artists, educational institutions and local community members. This, the competition reflects that the creative arts enhance visual content to promote Muscat Governorate.
‘Muscat Inspires Us’ initiative will enable innovators to introduce innovative films that develop the filming and directing sectors, and promote a sustainable promotional film production,’. It also reflects Muscat Governorate`s commitment to develop effective partnerships with the community to motivate creative ideas and future initiatives that benefit all. The Governorate expressed its great proud of all participants generally and the winners particularly for their creative achievements. Hoping that this competition will motivate their creative works’ continuance and enhance Muscat as an inspirational destination that represents beauty and innovation.
Awarded Rankings
The film ‘Muscat is the Essence of Inspiration’ by Director Sara bint Abdullah bin Ahmed AlBalushiya was awarded first place, ‘Eye of the Sky’ by Ruqaiya bint Abdullahbin Ibrahim Al Zaabiya won second place, and ‘The Omani Jewel, Muscat’ by Director Al Muhannad bin Hilal bin Sulaiman Al Sareiri placed third. The fourth-place winner was Mahmoud bin Hamdan bin Sulaiman Al Fazzari for his film‘Constructing Throughout Time’, while Nasser bin Abdullah bin Nasser AlHashimi`s film ‘Discover Muscat’ won the fifth rank. The film ‘I am Muscat’ by Al Muhannad bin Mohammed Al Riyami was awarded sixth place, while the film‘Doors of Muscat’ by Mohammed bin Hilal Al Ghafri was ranked seventh. The film ‘Past Civilisation and Future Vision’ by Saud bin Mohammed Al Fulaiti was ranked eighth. Other competitors were honoured with participation certificates to appreciate their efforts in the competition.
The competition included various topics. For example, tourism, community involvement, sustainable development, history and culture, architectural identity, and sustainable education. A jury of professionals from the Oman Film Society, the Ministry of Information and Muscat Governorate evaluated the films. The ‘Muscat Inspires Us’ Closing Ceremony honoured innovation. It also highlighted Omani youth`s contributions to inspirational visual works that reflect the historical and cultural identity of Muscat.