Muscat:The Khimji Ramdas (KR) Group and Nikon, in partnership with the Youth Centre, have successfully concluded this year’s ‘Manzarah Omaniya’ short-film contest, with a spectacular closing ceremony at Cinepolis in Oman Avenues Mall. The initiative aims to empower Omani youth talents in visual storytelling, celebrating their creative abilities.

A brainchild of the KR Group, this year’s competition saw eight finalists shortlisted across two categories - four in the Professional category and four in the Amateur category. The films were primarily shot in Sur, aligning with Oman’s 2025 tourism focus on the coastal city. To further immerse participants in Sur’s rich cultural and historical heritage, the finalists engaged in an exclusive video-walk, capturing the city’s iconic landmarks and scenic attractions.

During the closing ceremony, all winning films were showcased, highlighting the exceptional creativity and technical expertise of the participants. The winners were honored with Nikon cameras, reinforcing the competition’s commitment to equipping emerging filmmakers with industry-leading tools to advance their craft.

Speaking at the event, Varun Khimji, Director, Khimji Ramdas stated: “An initiative by Khimji Ramdas, ‘Manzarah Omaniya’ is designed to nurture and celebrate Omani talent in visual storytelling. More than just a competition, it reflects our commitment to empowering local creators by providing them with a platform to express their perspectives, capture the essence of our heritage, and elevate Oman’s presence in the regional and global creative landscape.”

An annual contest, ‘Manzarah Omaniya’ merges the brilliance of Oman’s rich heritage with Nikon’s cutting-edge imaging technology and the vibrant creativity of Omani youth. With Sur as Oman’s official Tourism Destination for 2025, the contest provided participants with a unique opportunity to capture the soul of this coastal gem in their distinctive style.

Whether an amateur or professional, a vlogger or an aspiring filmmaker, the competition serves as a launch-pad for creative talents to showcase their skills, connect with like-minded individuals, and gain national recognition for their work. As the contest continues to grow, it remains committed to fostering Oman’s creative community and elevating the standards of visual storytelling in the region and beyond.