Oscar winning Hollywood star Forest Whitaker got the most applause while Omani singer Salah Zedjali touched hearts with his soulful singing at the glittering red carpet opening ceremony of the seventh Muscat International Film Festival on Saturday night at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel.
The packed house had high expectations of Indian percussionist Shivamani, known for producing rhythm from every possible object. He did--using a dustbin and water-filled jar along with his drums but his nine-minute act, which started with him entering from audience with an Omani bagpiper, was too short.
Bollywood actor and dancer Isha Sarvani and her troupe stole the show with breathtaking aerial dance in their closing act. Traditional Omani dancers from Batinah region also performed.
The star attraction was a modestly dressed Nancy Ajram, who was subdued in her apparently lip-synched three-song performance.
The ceremony was the chance to honour Hollywood, Bollywood and Arab cinema stars attending the festival.
Shaikh Abdullah Al Hosni, State Council member, former Egyptian screen legend Nadia Al Jundi, Moroccan actor Amidou, Indian film actress and director Nandita Das, Indian actor Victor Banerjee and Whitaker were all honoured for their contribution to cinema.
"The Muscat International Film Festival was the first step in the journey to establish a film industry in Oman, said," Khalid Al Zadjali, chairman of MIFF and the Oman film Society, in his opening speech.
He urged young Omani filmmakers to capitalize on the gathering of top film personalities from around the world for MIFF.
MIFF jury chief Sharmila Tagore, the mother of Saif Ali Khan, hoped that the Omani film industry would grow from strength to strength. She also praised the beauty of Oman and friendly people here.
"I am enamoured to be in this happy country with happy people. May your happiness last," said Banerjee, who was among the people honoured for their contribution to cinema.
The screening of the films during the eight-day festival will be held at the Oman Auditorium - Al Bustan Palace, Radisson Blu and City Cinema, Al Shatti.
