Iran filmmaker selected for Muscat Int’l Film Fest jury

Compiled from Dispatches

Iranian documentary filmmaker, storyteller and journalist Habib Bavi Sajed has been named as a member of the panel of jury for the 10th Muscat International Film Festival (MIFF).

Bavi Sajed, who directed ‘Lullaby of War’ and ‘Ahmad Mahmoud’ and has received several awards at Arabian film festivals, is the only Iranian member of the panel of jury at the festival.

The 10th Muscat International Film Festival is slated for March 26-31.

Held every two years, the festival has seen the participation of some of the big names from around the world including actors Forest Whitaker, Susan Sarandon and Amitabh Bachchan.

Mohammad al-kindi, president of Oman Film Society that organizes the event said, “This time, we are going to be bigger and more high-profile. Last year, the response was excellent and we expect a bigger response this time too.”

He added that there will also be special workshops on the art of script-writing, editing and cinematography, noting, along with premieres and screening of short films from all around the world, the event will also have a competition for PGCC and Oman filmmakers in an attempt to encourage them to make better movies with compelling stories.

“The idea will start from the very base of developing a movie, the treatment and pre and post production. We will also teach the art of making posters, teasers and trailers. There will be nine steps for this process.”

Kindi added that he expects more than 100 Arabic and nonarabic short films to contest in the final round.

The six-day MIFF will also witness special screenings for women and children and will cover issues of the region — both political and social.