Doha: To highlight Qatari film industry’s achievements over the past five years, Doha Film Institute (DFI) is hosting the inaugural ‘Focus on Qatar’ showcase from September 30 to October 2 at Museum of Islamic Art (MIA).
Part of the ongoing Hekayat Khaleejiya screening series, ‘Focus on Qatar’ will showcase homegrown talent and achievements that have contributed to the growth of film culture. It includes screenings and programmes that celebrate the birth of cinema in Qatar and will provide a snapshot of filmmakers and production companies contributing to the Qatari industry’s growth.
Fatma Al Remaihi, CEO, DFI, said, “‘Focus in Qatar is a tribute to talented filmmakers who have led the wave of change within our developing industry. Their achievements have paved the way for the next generation and created a talent pool that fuels future growth and development of our art form.
“Filmmaking in Qatar has become a reality due to our country’s visionary leadership and efforts of individuals and organisations committed to supporting local talent, and promoting Qatar on the world stage.
“We are proud to have contributed to this vision and look forward to welcoming the community in our celebration of our nation’s cinema and the people who make it possible.”
The showcase will feature a special screening of Qatar’s first feature-length film Clockwise (2010) by Khalifa Al Muraikhi on September 30. The feature debut of Al Muraikhi relates the folktale of how fijiri, the entrancing music of Khaleeji pearl drivers came to be. Clockwise had its world premiere in Doha as part of Qatar’s Arab Capital of Culture celebrations in 2010 and screened at regional and international film festivals. This screening will celebrate the fifth anniversary of Clockwise’s release and will be preceded by an overview on the history of cinema in Qatar.
‘Focus on Qatar’ also includes screenings as part of ‘Next Generation Short Film Programme’ and ‘Innovation Films Showcase’. The short film programme scheduled on October 1 comprises films from independent filmmakers that have emerged in Qatar over the last five years and Innovation Films Showcase on October 2 highlights achievements of Innovation Films, a company at the forefront of Qatar’s cinematic rise.
The industry programme scheduled on October 1-2 brings together Qatari filmmakers and local industry professionals for two events — ‘Meet the Production Houses’ that introduces participants to production companies in Qatar to encourage future collaborations and a panel; and ‘How to Distribute Your Film’, that explores distribution possibilities available to independent filmmakers for wider reach.
Next Generation Short Film Programme (October 1, 8pm/MIA Auditorium) includes: 10% (2014), directed by Yousef Al Moadhadi; Temsah (2013) by Latifa Al Darwish and Rouda Al Meghaiseeb; Attack of the Health Invaders (2014) by Noor Al Nasr; Amreeka Laa (2015) by Hind Al Ansari; Al Kora (2013) by Amal Al Muftah; My Hero (2013) by Nora Al Subai; The Racer (2009) directed by Sophia Al Maria; My Grandfather’s Past Through My Eyes (2009) by Noor Ahmed Yaqub; Molokhiaphobia! (2011) by Abdullah Al Ali; Old Airport Road (2014) by Abdullah Al Mulla; and Land of Pearls (2011) by Mohammed Al Ibrahim.
Innovation Films Showcase (October 2, 7pm) includes Lockdown: Red Moon Escape (2012) by Mohammed Al Ibrahim and Ahmed Al Baker; Bidoon (2012) by Mohammed Al Ibrahim; T-Boy (2014) by Maryam Al Sahli; and I (2012) by Ali Al Anssari.
All screenings and events are free. Please reserve a ticket for admission. Tickets can be purchased from MIA DFI Ticket Outlet on Wednesday from 10.30am to 8pm, Thursday from noon to 8pm, and Friday from 2pm to 8pm. Tickets can also be purchased at www.dohafilminstitute.com. Viewers are advised to DFI Film Ratings Guide for film attendance policy and age regulations. The Peninsula
Doha: To highlight Qatari film industry’s achievements over the past five years, Doha Film Institute (DFI) is hosting the inaugural ‘Focus on Qatar’ showcase from September 30 to October 2 at Museum of Islamic Art (MIA).
Part of the ongoing Hekayat Khaleejiya screening series, ‘Focus on Qatar’ will showcase homegrown talent and achievements that have contributed to the growth of film culture. It includes screenings and programmes that celebrate the birth of cinema in Qatar and will provide a snapshot of filmmakers and production companies contributing to the Qatari industry’s growth.
Fatma Al Remaihi, CEO, DFI, said, “‘Focus in Qatar is a tribute to talented filmmakers who have led the wave of change within our developing industry. Their achievements have paved the way for the next generation and created a talent pool that fuels future growth and development of our art form.
“Filmmaking in Qatar has become a reality due to our country’s visionary leadership and efforts of individuals and organisations committed to supporting local talent, and promoting Qatar on the world stage.
“We are proud to have contributed to this vision and look forward to welcoming the community in our celebration of our nation’s cinema and the people who make it possible.”
The showcase will feature a special screening of Qatar’s first feature-length film Clockwise (2010) by Khalifa Al Muraikhi on September 30. The feature debut of Al Muraikhi relates the folktale of how fijiri, the entrancing music of Khaleeji pearl drivers came to be. Clockwise had its world premiere in Doha as part of Qatar’s Arab Capital of Culture celebrations in 2010 and screened at regional and international film festivals. This screening will celebrate the fifth anniversary of Clockwise’s release and will be preceded by an overview on the history of cinema in Qatar.
‘Focus on Qatar’ also includes screenings as part of ‘Next Generation Short Film Programme’ and ‘Innovation Films Showcase’. The short film programme scheduled on October 1 comprises films from independent filmmakers that have emerged in Qatar over the last five years and Innovation Films Showcase on October 2 highlights achievements of Innovation Films, a company at the forefront of Qatar’s cinematic rise.
The industry programme scheduled on October 1-2 brings together Qatari filmmakers and local industry professionals for two events — ‘Meet the Production Houses’ that introduces participants to production companies in Qatar to encourage future collaborations and a panel; and ‘How to Distribute Your Film’, that explores distribution possibilities available to independent filmmakers for wider reach.
Next Generation Short Film Programme (October 1, 8pm/MIA Auditorium) includes: 10% (2014), directed by Yousef Al Moadhadi; Temsah (2013) by Latifa Al Darwish and Rouda Al Meghaiseeb; Attack of the Health Invaders (2014) by Noor Al Nasr; Amreeka Laa (2015) by Hind Al Ansari; Al Kora (2013) by Amal Al Muftah; My Hero (2013) by Nora Al Subai; The Racer (2009) directed by Sophia Al Maria; My Grandfather’s Past Through My Eyes (2009) by Noor Ahmed Yaqub; Molokhiaphobia! (2011) by Abdullah Al Ali; Old Airport Road (2014) by Abdullah Al Mulla; and Land of Pearls (2011) by Mohammed Al Ibrahim.
Innovation Films Showcase (October 2, 7pm) includes Lockdown: Red Moon Escape (2012) by Mohammed Al Ibrahim and Ahmed Al Baker; Bidoon (2012) by Mohammed Al Ibrahim; T-Boy (2014) by Maryam Al Sahli; and I (2012) by Ali Al Anssari.
All screenings and events are free. Please reserve a ticket for admission. Tickets can be purchased from MIA DFI Ticket Outlet on Wednesday from 10.30am to 8pm, Thursday from noon to 8pm, and Friday from 2pm to 8pm. Tickets can also be purchased at www.dohafilminstitute.com. Viewers are advised to DFI Film Ratings Guide for film attendance policy and age regulations. The Peninsula
