Muscat International Film Festival Kicks Off its 11th Edition

he Muscat International Film Festival (MIIFF) honors a number of directors and international and local cinema stars (Oman News Agency)
he Muscat International Film Festival (MIIFF) honors a number of directors and international and local cinema stars (Oman News Agency)
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Muscat International Film Festival Kicks Off its 11th Edition

he Muscat International Film Festival (MIIFF) honors a number of directors and international and local cinema stars (Oman News Agency)
he Muscat International Film Festival (MIIFF) honors a number of directors and international and local cinema stars (Oman News Agency)

The 11th Muscat International Film Festival (MIIFF) has kicked off in Oman with the slogan “Renewed Oman,” showcasing 23 films from 11 countries.

Running until March 7, the festival aims to promote global collaboration in cinema and highlight Omani and Arab filmmaking talents.

According to festival director Ammar Al-Ibrahim, films from Oman, the Arab world, and beyond help foster understanding and cultural exchange.

They provide a platform for directors and writers to express their visions.

The festival features 23 feature films and 34 short films, including works from Omani filmmakers.

It also includes a Festival Market for industry players to network and promote their projects.

Notable figures being honored at the festival include directors from Iran, Oman, Palestine, and Bahrain.

The festival also aims to showcase Oman’s diverse landscapes to international filmmakers.

Established in 2002, the MIIF is running its 11th edition and is considered one of the earliest film festivals in the Gulf region.



Dozens of Exotic Animals Seized at Turkish Border

A woman covers with an umbrella against the rain during a summer storm at Kadikoy ferry terminal in Istanbul, Türkiye, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
A woman covers with an umbrella against the rain during a summer storm at Kadikoy ferry terminal in Istanbul, Türkiye, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
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Dozens of Exotic Animals Seized at Turkish Border

A woman covers with an umbrella against the rain during a summer storm at Kadikoy ferry terminal in Istanbul, Türkiye, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
A woman covers with an umbrella against the rain during a summer storm at Kadikoy ferry terminal in Istanbul, Türkiye, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

Turkish customs officials in the northwestern city of Edirne discovered dozens of exotic animals being smuggled into Türkiye from Greece, The Associated Press said.

State-run Anadolu Agency reported that the mid-sized sedan with Greek license plates was carrying three kangaroos, three alpacas and one Patagonian mara in the trunk, and 12 parrots and 23 flying squirrels inside the vehicle. Many of the animals are juveniles.

Photos from the scene show the larger animals bound and squeezed together in tight confinement, while the smaller ones were crowded in cages.

The private Demiroren News Agency identified the driver of the vehicle as Yuksel D., who was subsequently detained by authorities.

All the animals survived and will be delivered to the Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks.