In 2025, the State Museum and Exhibition Centre ROSPHOTO will provide the platform for the public cultural and educational program of the International School for Young Middle East Researchers, “Contemporary Studies of the Sultanate of Oman: Methods, Concepts, Texts.” On November 25 and 27, ROSPHOTO will host screenings of contemporary Omani documentary films, as well as open discussions, giving audiences the opportunity to meet the directors of the films in person. The program is conducted in two languages — Russian and English.

The film program is organized by the Institute for Asian and African Studies of HSE University — St. Petersburg in cooperation with the State Museum and Exhibition Centre ROSPHOTO, Al-Khat Production Company (Sultanate of Oman), and the National Records and Archives Authority of the Sultanate of Oman.



On November 25 and 27, ROSPHOTO will host screenings of contemporary Omani documentary films, as well as open discussions, giving audiences the opportunity to meet the directors of the films in person. The program is conducted in two languages — Russian and English.

The film program is organized by the Institute for Asian and African Studies of HSE University — St. Petersburg in cooperation with the State Museum and Exhibition Centre ROSPHOTO, Al-Khat Production Company (Sultanate of Oman), and the National Records and Archives Authority of the Sultanate of Oman.

November 25, 18:30

“The Last Remaining”

dir. Ali Saeed Mohammed Al-Bimani, Hamad Khalifa Ahmed Al-Qasabi, 2021


The film focuses on the contemporary lives of the oldest merchants of the Bahla market. The directors explore how the rapid modernization of Oman in the second half of the 20th century affected the way of life of traditional markets. Local craftsmen share their memories of the past and their thoughts on the present. At the center of their conversation is the story of many years of working together — for some, a shared area and daily routine at the market has united them for more than seven decades. The film shows how friendship and mutual support help merchants to preserve the established way of life of Omani markets to the present day.



November 27, 18:30

“Long Distances”

dir. Ali Saeed Mohammed Al-Bimani, Hamad Khalifa Ahmed Al-Qasabi, 2024


The documentary film follows the story of Suad Al-Nusaibi, a young woman from an Omani mountain village whose journey led her from agricultural work to becoming a champion in long-distance mountain marathons. The film has received several awards at major Middle Eastern festivals, including the Saudi Film Festival and the Bahrain Film Festival.

The screenings will be held in Arabic with Russian subtitles. Each screening will be followed by a Q&A session with the directors.



All events in the public program are free to attend, with prior registration required: