Zaheer Darbar – Entertainment Editor
Young Filmmakers Shine at Indian School Film Festival 2025 in Muscat: Indian School Darsait successfully organised the Indian School Film Festival (ISFF) 2025, a vibrant celebration of student creativity and cinematic expression, under the aegis of the Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman. The festival, held on January 17, brought together young filmmakers, educators, and film professionals, thereby reinforcing cinema as a powerful medium of learning and storytelling.
The festival began in the morning with an engaging interactive session featuring Mr. Kamal, the acclaimed Indian film director, screenwriter, producer, and former Chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, as the Chief Guest. During the session, enthusiastic students posed thoughtful questions, and Mr. Kamal, in response, shared insights from his cinematic journey. He explained how the film industry has evolved from being culturally specific to addressing global audiences while continuing to reflect social realities.
Following the interaction, the organisers screened a series of short films, including HSE videos and creative reels, which highlighted the students’ storytelling skills, technical understanding, and social awareness.
Meanwhile, the Students’ Corner emerged as a major attraction of the festival. Created by students in collaboration with the Malayalam Department, the space served both as a photo booth and a creative tribute to the Chief Guest. Notably, the installation featured a short story written in the form of a letter, cleverly woven with the titles of films directed by Mr. Kamal, drawing admiration from visitors.
Later in the evening, the festival reached its high point with the Award Ceremony. The programme opened with the Royal Anthem of Oman, followed by the National Anthem of India, symbolising cultural harmony. Alongside Chief Guest Mr. Kamal, noted Omani actor Dr. Talib Al Balushi attended the event as the Guest of Honour.
Several dignitaries, including Mr. Syed Ahmad Salman, Chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman, Mr. Harshendu Shah, Vice Chairman, other Board members, School Management Committee members, principals of various Indian schools, teachers, parents, and students, attended the ceremony in large numbers.
In his welcome address, Mr. Shalimar Moideen, President of the School Management Committee, emphasised the importance of ISFF in nurturing creativity and visual communication skills. “Your passion, imagination, teamwork, and courage to tell stories make this event meaningful and memorable,” he told the students.
Addressing the gathering, Chairman Mr. Syed Ahmad Salman stressed that discipline, consistency, and hard work remain the foundation of success. He further urged teachers to see themselves as directors who shape young lives toward excellence.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kamal highlighted the deeper purpose of cinema. “True artistry goes beyond technology and requires cultural awareness, social sensitivity, and freedom of expression rooted in homes and schools,” he said, while also underscoring India’s constitutional values and democratic freedoms that empower artists to speak for the marginalised.
Guest of Honour Dr. Talib Al Balushi, meanwhile, encouraged students to create films on themes ranging from everyday life to complex global issues such as peace. Subsequently, video presentations showcasing the journey of Indian School Darsait and the evolution of ISFF over the years received warm appreciation. A vibrant fusion dance performance titled ‘Frames Through Time: Black and White to VFX Era’ further captivated the audience.
The Award Ceremony was the focal point of the evening, recognising exceptional contributions across categories including short films, impactful videos, advertisements, and creative reels. Suryaraaj Nair of Indian School Darsait and Aleesha Shynu of Indian School Wadi Kabir won the Best Actor and Best Actress Awards respectively. Benito Jovi Pereira and Joy Nathan of Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir won the award for Best Editing and Best Music while Al Faik Bin Faisal of the same school received the award for Best Director.
The Best Screenplay award was secured by Anagha Surendran of Indian School Rustaq. Ashwin Mohan of Indian School Darsait received the Best Cinematography award. Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir claimed The Best Short Film award for students (open category) while the award for facilitators was won by Indian School Al Maabela. The award for Best Advertisement was won by Indian School Salalah.
The Most Impactful HSE Videos in the Junior and Senior categories were bagged by Indian School Nizwa and Indian School Sur respectively. Indian School Maabela secured the award for the most Creative Reel. The students of CSE (Care and Special Education) were individually honoured for their short film in the category of Children with Special Needs which brought great cheer to their faces. The prestigious Rolling Trophy – ISFF 2025 was awarded to Indian School Sur.
The screening of award-winning films and selected entries concluded the celebrations on a high note. Finally, Mr. Amar Srivastava, Principal of Indian School Darsait, delivered the vote of thanks.
Overall, ISFF 2025 once again proved to be an inspiring platform that celebrates young talent, encourages creative expression, and promotes cross-cultural collaboration through the art of cinema.
