Third European Film Festival 2026 to Be Held in Muscat from October 11 to 18

Muscat, The Gulf Observer: The European Union Mission and embassies of EU Member States in the Sultanate of Oman, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, Oman Film Society and the International Film Foundation of Oman (IFFO), have announced the third edition of the European Film Festival 2026, scheduled to take place in Muscat Governorate from October 11 to 18.

The festival is a major cinematic and cultural event featuring screenings of selected European films, alongside a range of film-related activities and programmes designed to strengthen cultural communication and exchange between Oman and European countries.

The event aims to introduce Omani audiences to the diversity of European cinema, support emerging and established filmmakers in Oman, and promote cooperation and creativity in the cinematic sector.

A total of 20 films from Austria, Cyprus, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania and Spain will be screened during the festival, showcasing the breadth of contemporary European filmmaking and storytelling.

Christophe Farnaud, Ambassador of the European Union to Oman, said the third edition of the festival demonstrates that the cultural event has become an established tradition that is welcomed and anticipated by Omani audiences. He noted that this year’s programme presents a broad range of genres, characters and stories reflecting different dimensions of human emotions and experiences.

Christophe Ceska, Ambassador of Austria to Oman, speaking on behalf of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, said the festival’s return to Muscat represents another tangible expression of the growing partnership between the European Union and Oman.

He emphasized that the festival would provide Omani audiences with an opportunity to experience the diversity of European cinema while offering Omani filmmakers a platform to showcase their work. He added that cinema can contribute to cultural exchange, dialogue and mutual understanding by enabling audiences to view the world from different perspectives.

Sayyid Said bin Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture, said the Ministry’s participation reflects its recognition of cinema as an important tool for promoting cultural dialogue and bringing people and cultures closer together.

He described the festival as an opportunity to explore diverse European cinematic experiences, support Oman’s developing film sector and create new avenues for cooperation between Omani and European cultural and artistic communities.

Anwar bin Khamis Al-Raziqi, President of the Oman Film Society, welcomed the festival, particularly the Short Film Competition, describing it as an important platform for young Omani filmmakers. He reaffirmed the Society’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships and contributing to the development of Oman’s film industry.

Sudha Sha, Director of IFFO, also welcomed the continued growth of the festival, noting that the new competition would provide local filmmakers with opportunities to gain recognition while further strengthening cultural exchange between Oman and Europe.

A key feature of this year’s festival will be the Short Film Competition, organized with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and the Oman Film Society.

The competition is open to emerging and established filmmakers in Oman and aims to provide a platform for showcasing local creativity, filmmaking talent and storytelling.

Shortlisted films will be presented during free public screenings from October 12 to 14, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., as part of the festival programme.