I have introduced some Iranian accent in my work

Youssef Al Balushi brings Madagh Al-Henna (Henna Pestle) to the 2023 FITF. It went on stage in International section at Vahdat Hall, Saturday,January 28.

Madgh Al-Henna (Henna Pestle) is a folk drama about a village that is attacked by foreigners and collapses occur in the absence of the village ruler, but the main character of the story saves the village from foreigners by uniting the people.

Youssef Al Balushi stated that he had done a lot of work in the field of theater, cinema and television and his emphasis was mostly on television drama and theater. He said: "The first similarity I have seen between Iranian and Omani filmmakers is makeup, and at the same time there are many common features. There is a relationship between Iranian and Omani cinema and I hope that a great joint work will be done between Iranian and Omani cinemas."

He clarified: Iranian cinema is widely followed in Oman, and Iranians have won numerous awards in prestigious international festivals, which shows Iran's cinematic strength.

The director of the theater, television and cinema from Oman continued: Iran and Oman have many geographical and natural similarities, such as the sea coast, and the name of our group is Mezon, which was chosen by the Iranians in ancient times for Oman, which means the land of water.

Stating that the relationship between Iranians and Omanis is deep rooted and historical, he added: "I like Iranian cinema very much because it is a very powerful cinema that depicts nature, history, Iranian stories and the identity of Iranians. One of the Iranian directors whose work I am very fond of is MajidMajidi, who made the enduring film Children of Heaven, and among Iranian actors, I also like ShahabHosseini's performance".

Referring to the differences between Iran and other countries, Al-Balushi emphasized: "My concern in the show that I have brought to Iran is the language of my show, because my audience was Arab countries, but this relationship with the Iranian audience may not develop as I would like. And another difference is that Fajr Festival is an old, famous and prestigious festival and I have never attended a festival with such an age.

He stated that they were very happy to be in this festival and I participated in this festival with all their love and interest, adding: "I have introduced some Iranian accent in my work, which is the difference between this work and my other works."

Director of Madagh Al-Henna continued: "From the moment I arrived in Iran, I saw nothing but goodness from Iranians, and I thank Dr. Mansoori, the secretary of the international department of the festival, who cooperated very well with us. We are very satisfied with the rehearsal place and I am very happy that the Oman Theater is performing in the Vahdat Hall, which is the venue of the Iranian National Opera".

Referring to Iran's history and culture, he emphasized: "The solidarity between Iran and Oman was formed by translating Iranian narratives, texts and stories, and I read Iranian texts. Iran has the richest culture and history in the world and also has scientists. It has been in all fields and we read this culture and history in our textbooks.

The 2023 FITF is underway in Tehran until January 31. The festival is presided over by Iranian actor and director  Kourosh Zarei.