Iranian documentary bags Muscat award

Iranian documentary ‘Azadi Cinema’, directed by Mehdi Tarafi, received the Silver Dagger Award at the 10th Muscat International Film Festival (MIFF).

More than 100 movies from across the world were showcased during the week-long event, reported Muscat Daily, noting the workshops and special shows on films focusing on women, children and football were also held as part of the festival.

‘Azadi Cinema’ has participated in various festivals receiving a number of awards.

MIFF, which was founded in 2001, has come a long way, with awards being given as early as it was launched and then slowly taking on an international hue. Today, as the 10th MIFF rolls out in style, it is with a certain pride, having reached a stage where it featured about 115 films, a couple of premieres, a large number of Omani short films and documentaries. A variety of genres and cultures were represented in this year’s edition.

This year, the festival hosted film stars from around the world, including Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala, award winning Indian-american filmmaker Mira Nair, Egyptian actor Amr Waked, Syrian filmmaker Ghassan Massoud, Egyptian director Ali Badrakhan and Italian actor Franco Nero.

The 10th edition of the event was held from March 26 to April 1 in the capital of Oman.