The third edition of the Gulf Film Festival, which opens in Dubai today (April 8) will showcase a collection of 10 films from Oman, across various categories.

The Omani films are varied in content and narrative styles. The young filmmakers have drawn on the country’s heritage, while being inspired by the challenges of modern society to create films that will inspire other regional talent to pursue their passion for movie-making.

The official competition for short films will feature movies by the up-and-coming Omani filmmaker Khalid Al-Kalbani’s portrayal of the pain of betrayal in The Guard, and Jasim Albutashi’s Bara’ah, which teaches one that the light of hope shines even in the darkest times.

Cinematic creations of Omani students’ short films include Lamad by Al Motasim Al-Shaqsi which portrays the life of a farmer, his wait, and his journey to water the plants in his village. Niqab by Muzna Al Musafir narrates the story of a lady who finds thoughts of conflict and anger racing in her mind as she gets ready for a rendezvous.

In Leaking, Amjad Abdullah Al Hinai and Khamis Sulyem Ambo-Saidi explores a child who seeks to find solace from her daily family problems by playing outside, only to note that when she comes back to the house she is faced with the same problems. Al-Jahla by Sultan Al-Hussaini depicts the mythical wealthy life of a man who is unable to have a sip of water, while Maryam Mohammed Al-Gheilani’s A Rope Knot tells us the story of a woman who is unable to have children. Mashnaqah, by Abdullah Al Maqimi, illustrates a conflict of interest when a film director’s idea for a movie is declined by his producer.

Films in the ‘Lights’ segment include Abdullah AlBatashi’s Al Menaz, which addresses the drama that arises within the mind of a person when confronting with his inner definition of reality. Al Nathed by Mahmood Al Bimani narrates the process and charts the time management involved in the production of dates.

The Gulf Film Festival, which is supported by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority and held in association with the Dubai Studio City, will run till April 14. – TradeArabia News Service