Monday 11 / May / 2026
Rabat: The Omani film "Forbidden Flowers" won the Best Director award during the fourth edition of the Atlas International Film Festival in Morocco.
Dalila Ali Al Durei, the film’s director, said the win reflects the work’s distinction and the human message it carries, which succeeded in reaching both audiences and jury committees.
The film tells the story of two sisters living in a simple rural village who face repeated mistreatment from some members of their community. The events gradually escalate, revealing a painful reality experienced by some girls in closed environments.
The accolade marks an important milestone in the film’s journey. It previously won second place in the third edition of the "Tawasul" Short Film Competition organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth in December 2025. The film’s human treatment and visual vision, which addresses social issues through a quiet, profound cinematic language, affirm Omani cinema’s ability to convey its stories to audiences and to international festivals worldwide.
