Narration of history through visual medium
As they shared their experiences producing and presenting their chosen stories, they emphasised the importance of teamwork and the use of technology.
Kluetsch explained how technological effects helped create impact, but real visuals were crucial for evoking emotions.
Bettany emphasised the importance of light in filmmaking, saying, "We chased the light during the golden hours of early morning and evening. Drone technology has been a blessing for us filmmakers, especially in Oman's breathtaking landscapes." She further explained, "Along with light, sound is incredibly important. Making a film with the right intention is fundamental. Your film's success hinges on this." In her documentary, there is a scene where the team is on an Omani dhow off the coast of Musandam and the captain reads from the book of Ahmed bin Majid.
Narration of history through visual medium
"These texts are the living records of real people. Ahmed bin Majid was known as the Lion of the Sea," she shared during the dialogue session.
Regarding preserving cultural memory, Kluetsch praised Oman's efforts in balancing history and modernity. "History isn't far removed from us. People, problems and opportunities remain the same, even with modern technology like mobile phones," he observed.
When asked about future projects, Kluetsch expressed interest in exploring the Bronze Age, when Oman was known as Magan, the land of copper.
Bettany mentioned ongoing work on "Greater Cities" and expressed a desire to feature Muscat.
Kluetsch advised creating serial pieces and focusing on long-form storytelling, particularly for social media. He noted that young filmmakers excel in shorter formats but struggle with longer narratives.
For Bettany, a memorable moment was tasting fresh camel milk and hearing a local family's appreciation for camels.
Kluetsch found the House of Wonders and its legacy particularly captivating.
Narration of history through visual medium
When asked what Oman had taught them, Kluetsch reflected on the importance of patience and trust in God and people, while Bettany praised the hospitality and respect shown by Omani people towards guests.
Both emphasised the importance of women's roles in history, with Bettany highlighting the positive impact of documentary filmmaking in learning and promoting positivity.
Kluetsch stressed the need for flexibility in documentary production and the importance of central characters in storytelling.
After the session, Bettany shared her positive experience at the Muscat International Book Fair, expressing admiration for the diverse exhibits and brilliant people he had met.
Kluetsch, a returning attendee, praised the fair's global reach and its ability to connect people from all continents.
Both Bettany and Kluetsch expressed hopes of translating their books into Arabic for wider publication.
PHOTOS BY KHALFAN AL RUZAIQY
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
16 hours ago
- Observer
‘Osara' a coastal tourist destination for khareef
The 'Osara' tourism project, situated on Raysut Beach in Salalah, stands out as a prominent tourist and entertainment destination accompanying Khareef Dhofar Season 2025. This Omani youth-led initiative was launched in 2022. This year, 'Osara' has undergone new developmental works across several of its facilities, including a redesigned waterfront to enhance the visitor experience. This involved expanding sea-view areas, creating open seating arrangements, and adding restaurants and cafes that offer direct beach views. 'Osara' a coastal tourist destination for khareef Majid bin Samhan al Mashali, one of the project's founders, said: 'Since the project's inception, we have been keen to introduce innovative ideas that align with visitors' aspirations. We continuously strive to develop various 'Osara' facilities to enhance the quality of the tourism experience.' He noted the addition of a new area for electric games this year within the adventure zone, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for children and their families. In addition to the waterfront and games area, the site features a traditional market showcasing Omani handicrafts and traditional products for which Dhofar Governorate is renowned. Various retail outlets are also distributed throughout the venue, contributing to the support of productive families and local brands. 'Osara' a coastal tourist destination for khareef 'Osara' also includes a theatre that hosts cultural and entertainment events targeting various age groups, alongside tranquil beachside seating areas that combine recreation and relaxation. It is worth mentioning that the 'Osara' project boasts an eco-friendly character, having been constructed using recycled wood, making it a model for sustainable tourism. 'Osara' receives support from Dhofar Municipality, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority 'Riyada' and Salalah Port, as part of efforts to back youth initiatives and empower local entrepreneurs to contribute to boosting tourism activity during the khareef season. — ONA
Muscat Daily
a day ago
- Muscat Daily
Ittin's "Nova" event blends tourism and culture, with youth-led creativity
Salalah – The Dhofar Khareef season continues to serve as a dynamic platform for empowering Omani youth, encouraging them to showcase their talents, strengthen their entrepreneurial skills, and engage with the freelance economy. One standout initiative this year is the 'Nova' event, held at the Ittin Plain in Salalah. Running through August 31, Nova has become a key tourist and entertainment attraction for the 2025 season, offering a variety of cultural and recreational experiences for visitors of all ages. Weam bint Bakhit al Kathiri, founder of the project, says that 'Nova' features a diverse mix of commercial and leisure activities. Among its highlights are an 8-meter-high 'Giant Moon' installation, an open-air theater, amusement rides, and a dedicated area for mobile food vendors. Co-founder Hamoud bin Ali Al Sulaimi noted that the concept of Nova is to create an integrated carnival that elevates Dhofar's appeal as a vibrant monsoon destination. The event showcases a mix of Omani and Arab brands and offers a platform for local entrepreneurs and productive families to present their goods to both domestic and international visitors. Ali bin Hassan al Balushi, owner of the 'Qand' project at Nova, emphasized the unique youth-driven approach to the event's planning and operations. 'The success of Nova reflects the dedication of young Omanis who independently organized and managed the event, helping attract large crowds this season,' he said. Al Balushi stressed the importance of continued financial and logistical support for youth-led initiatives like Nova, citing their value in enriching the tourism and economic landscape of the governorate. Youth entrepreneurship initiatives such as Nova not only enhance Dhofar's tourism offering during the monsoon season but also provide sustainable economic and social opportunities. These efforts demonstrate the increasing contribution of Omani youth to the tourism sector and reflect the broader development goals of the Sultanate of Oman under its national vision.
Observer
a day ago
- Observer
First coffee farm opens in Jabal Shams
MUSCAT: In a strategic move to develop high — altitude agriculture and expand Oman's specialty crop portfolio, Coffee Farm Company, led by founder and CEO Said al Wardi, has launched a commercial coffee cultivation project in Jabal Shams. The initiative aims to plant 6,000 coffee seedlings by 2027, positioning Oman as a potential producer of high-quality Arabica coffee. The project began with the planting of 300 seedlings of the Yemeni Udaini variety, one of the world's oldest and most prized Arabica strains. The number is expected to rise to 5,000 seedlings in 2026 and reach 6,000 the following year. The crop is being cultivated at elevations considered critical for specialty-grade coffee, with Jabal Shams offering the right combination of altitude, temperature and humidity. 'The climate in Oman's highlands is more suitable for coffee than many people realise', said Al Wardi. 'This isn't about hobby farming, it's a serious agricultural and economic opportunity aligned with national goals'. The project is among the first of its kind in the Sultanate of Oman. While coffee is not native to Oman, the country's mountainous regions, especially in Al Dakhiliyah and Dhofar — have shown promising results in experimental cultivation. One of the early challenges faced by the company was acquiring viable coffee seedlings. 'Most countries classify coffee as a strategic crop and restrict seed exports', Al Wardi explained. 'We overcame this by propagating seedlings locally in Salalah and Bahla'. To ensure sustainable expansion, the company has partnered with Nakheel Oman Development Company and the Agricultural Research Centre in Qummah, which are supporting the development of tissue-cultured plants to scale the operation. In parallel, Coffee Farm Company is investing in agri-tourism infrastructure. Plans are underway to establish a coffee visitor experience site in Jabal Shams, where tourists will be able to tour the plantations, participate in harvest activities and visit a Coffee Museum located near the popular viewpoint Shurfat Al Nakhr. 'This initiative is not just about agriculture. It's about integrating farming, tourism and heritage into one value chain', Al Wardi said. The company will market its coffee under the name Bunn Al Madar, inspired by the traditional clay dallah used for brewing coffee in Oman. The brand already produces roasted beans and capsules; and aims to build a strong 'Made in Oman' identity. The project supports Oman Vision 2040 objectives, which prioritise agricultural innovation, economic diversification and the development of non-oil sectors, particularly in rural and mountainous areas. 'This is just the beginning', Al Wardi said. 'With the right support and continued experimentation, Omani coffee can become a recognised name in the regional and global market'.
