Narration of history through visual medium
Muscat: The 29th Muscat International Book Fair has hosted several talks, including a session on Tuesday evening that drew documentary enthusiasts. The session, hosted by radio broadcaster Talal al Shatti, featured interviews with Bettany Hues, a broadcaster and documentary presenter who created "Treasures of Oman" as part of the "Treasures of the World" series and Friedrich Kluetsch, a documentary filmmaker behind "The House of Wonders," which explores migration in former times.
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
7 hours ago
- Observer
Oman brings home over 1,300 citizens and expats
Oman has evacuated over 1,188 citizens and 281 other nationals from Iran and its neighbouring countries as part of its humanitarian assistance. On Saturday, 294 Omani citizens landed at Muscat International Airport via Türkiye, along with people from other countries, during the fifth phase of evacuation. The Foreign Ministry thanked all officials, especially those from Türkiye, who contributed to the smooth transfer of people. Speaking to the Observer, Ahmed al Hooti, a journalist with Al Jazeera who was in the fourth phase of evacuation, said that there were hundreds of Omanis in Iranian cities who were tourists, students, medical patients, pilgrims and the efforts of Oman's Foreign Ministry and its embassies in safeguarding the citizens as well as other nationals were laudable. 'The Oman embassy in Iran reached out to Omanis scattered across the country and asked to share their details through social media. They were advised to be prepared to move to the northern side of Iran and everyone did the same. Some were in Mashhad and they continued to stay there only till they got the information on where to move. After 3 days, hundreds of Omanis left Tehran to other cities where the embassy officials were doing documentation and preparation to leave the country through land borders,' said Al Hooti. 'There were no flights hence some people used cars and people like me used taxis. Others used buses which were all arranged by the embassy. The embassy in Tehran did a wonderful job in moving all Omanis to safe places and later they were transferred from borders where they were able to get flights. Also the Omani embassy in Baghdad too did a great job in supporting the stranded Omanis.' Mohammed Rafiq, Mohammed Shafiq, Nourin and Sophia, from India's Kerala state, who had arrived in Iran on a tourist visa, arrived at the Muscat International Airport from Iran via Basra, Iraq on Thursday. The group returned to Oman after receiving Iraqi visas following high-level intervention from the Oman government. "We could see huge columns of smoke and fire billowing out of buildings nearby where we were staying. People were being evacuated from everywhere. When we contacted the Indian Embassy in Iran, the result was disappointing as they told us to follow online updates and to contact them after the weekend," Rafiq said. "However, the Omanis who were with us took us to the Oman Embassy in Tehran. Although they were not bound to board us, the kind-hearted officials as well as the co-passengers succeeded in accepting us as their own citizens. We were given temporary accommodation." Rafiq said that the Omani authorities provided them with temporary facilities until Friday and Saturday; and then asked to approach the Indian Embassy. "We contacted the Indian Embassy, but the response from there was not as expected. Thanks to an Omani citizen who was with us, the authorities again arranged travel facilities for us. With this, we were taken along with the Omanis to Basra in Iraq via Bandar Abbas." The expat family said that they are deeply grateful to the Omanis and the officials of Oman who intervened in their case. — ONA
Muscat Daily
11 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Uzbekistan opens its doors to Omani travellers
In May 2025, Uzbekistan introduced 30-day visa free stay for citizens of Oman. As an ancient centre of Islamic civilisation, Uzbekistan holds a special place in the Muslim world. Cities like Bukhara and Samarkand were once home to some of the greatest Islamic scholars in history, including Imam al Bukhari and Imam al Tirmidhi. The architectural beauty of centuries-old mosques and madrasas, and the spirit of traditional hospitality make Uzbekistan a deeply spiritual and culturally enriching destination for travellers from Oman. The new visa-free regime makes it easier than ever for Omani travellers to explore Uzbekistan. The move is part of a broader effort to strengthen ties between Uzbekistan and Gulf countries and welcome more visitors from the Arab world. While countries like Turkey, the UAE and Qatar have long been top destinations for Omani travellers, Uzbekistan offers an equally unique and authentic experience. Whether you seek cultural enrichment, a peaceful escape or spiritual rejuvenation, Uzbekistan has something to offer. Uzbekistan is a muslim majority country. All foods are halal and mosques are present in every neighbourhood. Friday prayers are widely attended and the call to prayer is heard throughout the day. This atmosphere allows Omani visitors to feel spiritually at home. Uzbekistan was ranked the safest country in the world in the 2024 Safety Perceptions Index. Tourist police are present at historical sites and are trained in multiple languages to assist visitors. Families, solo travellers and elderly tourists can feel at ease during their stay. Uzbekistan is now more accessible than ever. According to the Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan, aviation authorities of Uzbekistan and Oman recently held negotiations to discuss the launch of direct air connections between the two countries, including planned flights by Oman Air to Uzbekistan. Furthermore, there are several connecting flights from Dubai and Doha to major cities in Uzbekistan. When it comes to tour attractions, Uzbekistan is home to seven Unesco World Heritage Sites and thousands of historical and archaeological landmarks. Tashkent, the capital city, is known for its blend of modern and Soviet-era architecture, green parks and vibrant bazaars. Samarkand, once the capital of the Timurid empire, is known for its Islamic architecture and pilgrimage sites, including the Imam al Bukhari mausoleum. Bukhara is another city famous for its Islamic architecture. For many centuries, it has been a centre for Islamic learning and culture For nature lovers, Uzbekistan offers unexpected variety. From the mountains of Zaamin to the Amirsoy Resort, travellers can enjoy hiking, skiing or simply breathing in the fresh mountain air. For those seeking more unusual adventures, there's the Aral Sea. Once the fourth-largest lake in the world, the shrinking sea lost more than 90% of its water due to mismanagement of water resources during the soviet era. Hospitality is a cornerstone of Uzbek culture. Just as the Silk Road brought travellers, traders and scholars through these lands centuries ago, today's Uzbeks continue the tradition of treating guests as family. This makes Uzbekistan a very unique travel destination. With shared religious values and cultural appreciation, Uzbekistan offers unforgettable experiences to travellers from Oman. The growth of tourism can also foster cultural exchange and mutual understanding, further strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries. By Adkhamjon Janobiddinov The writer is an independent researcher and journalist from Uzbekistan, focusing on its foreign affairs and economy
Muscat Daily
20 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Omani cookbook wins two global awards at Gourmand event
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Muscat – Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has won two international awards for its publication The Omani Cuisine at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards held in Lisbon, Portugal. The Gourmand awards are among the most prominent global events celebrating the best books in culinary arts and food culture. The ministry's participation showcased Oman's culinary heritage through its book, produced in collaboration with Sultan Qaboos University. At a ceremony attended by culinary experts and industry figures from around the world, Oman won the 'Best Book in the World' award in the Culinary Diplomacy category and 'Best Cookbook in the World' award in the Intangible Cultural Heritage category. Officials said the achievement highlights efforts to document and promote Omani cuisine as an integral part of the nation's cultural and heritage identity. Asma bint Salem al Hajri, Tourism Promotion Expert at the ministry, said the participation reflects ongoing work to enhance the reputation of Omani cuisine regionally and internationally. She noted that traditional Omani food plays a key role in cultural tourism and showcases the depth of Omani civilisation. The ministry's activities at the event included a visual presentation and a tasting session, giving attendees insight into Omani dishes, their ingredients and preparation. The event was a platform to introduce the diversity and authenticity of Omani food to new audiences and make it a part of the sultanate's tourism offering. Fatima bint Ali al Lawati, Assistant Director for Institutional Planning and member of the Food Tourism and Culinary Arts Programme at the ministry, said the double win demonstrates international appreciation for Oman's culinary arts and intangible heritage. She added that the recognition will encourage further efforts to promote Omani food culture through careful documentation and creative marketing.
