Oman’s Film City will enrich the Middle East's creative landscape

Last November's Al Batinah International Film Festival in Oman. Photo: Oman news agency

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth in Oman has announced plans to develop a film city near Muscat in Khazaen, an economic development zone in Barka. It will become a hub for film production, adding to the growing arts and culture landscape in the Gulf region.

This comes at a pivotal time in media production, when content is evolving rapidly owing to fast-paced growth in technologies and shifts in industry models and consumption habits. There truly is no better time than now to support film production in the region, as it aligns with national goals for growth in non-oil sectors and could open up a whole new stream of opportunities from regional and international collaboration to a thriving local film scene.

In order to capitalise on these opportunities, it is important to take note of current trends in film production across the globe and see how Oman can bring the best of its resources to deliver what the industry needs. I believe a fusion between what Oman has to offer, in terms of both local capabilities and cultural landmarks, and between current trends in the global film industry, can truly facilitate the way for unique and high-calibre projects.

A rendering of Khazaen Economic City, a 52 square kilometre city under development in Barka, 60km north of Muscat. Courtesy: Khazaen Economic City

Artificial intelligence has taken many disciplines by storm and is being adopted in filmmaking through script-writing assistance, predictions on what projects will be most profitable and its offer of superior editing tools.

Technological advancements have also given rise to immersive and interactive experiences in film, with virtual reality and augmented reality being used to engage viewers in real time.

Crucially, sustainability in filmmaking, including reducing carbon footprint during production, using renewable energy, minimising waste levels on set and meeting universal sustainability standards are priorities for production houses. Given Oman’s various investments in renewable energy projects and geographic location, which means the country enjoys an abundance of sunshine, it is a promising base for filmmakers who wish to adopt a greener approach.

There is also a push for diversity in all areas of film production, from storytelling to direction, production and of course, on camera. Oman not only boasts of a rich culture and diverse local population, the nation also attracts talent and investments from various parts of the world, and again, its location works in its favour by making it an accessible midpoint between the East and West.

Independent and crowdfunded productions are also on the rise, with online fundraising tools that have given aspiring filmmakers, screenwriters and actors the opportunity to reach out to their target audiences directly and raise money to help bring their projects to life.

In its first year alone, the Film City is expected to create more than 100 new jobs. But we must anticipate, plan and prepare for more expansion

Of course, one of the most notable shifts is the increasing dominance of streaming platforms that have become the leading source of film viewing around the world since the Covid-19 pandemic. Major studios are more inclined to releasing films directly on these platforms, and we have witnessed what appears to be a permanent change in consumption habits.

With its new Film City, Oman can harness opportunities from film production houses across the globe. At the same time, the country can work to refine local and regional offerings. It can encourage collaboration and investments in this area that could add to existing services and potentially give rise to new streaming platforms that highlight content from the Sultanate as well as the broader Gulf region.

In its first year alone, the Film City is expected to create more than 100 new jobs. But we must anticipate, plan and prepare for more expansion. From financial institutions offering competitive borrowing rates to a push in filmmaking courses at education institutions, there is much that can be done to boost the sector and prepare for opportunities that are on the horizon.

We cannot deny that there have been significant global shifts that have led to a series of setbacks and socio-economic challenges in recent years. However, we are also witnessing exciting growth in a variety of areas, and if we strike while the iron is hot and keep our eye on the prize – the broader national vision for economic diversification – there is no doubt that Oman can take the strides towards a stable and secure future.

The creative arts, particularly prose and storytelling, have been a defining component of Omani heritage for centuries, and the nation is well placed to enrich the regional and global film industries with this gift that has been passed down for generations.