Qumra 2017, the industry initiative by the Doha Film Institute (DFI) to nurture the next generation of filmmaking talent, will host the inaugural Qumra Talks from March 5 to 7.
Organised in partnership with the Northwestern University in Qatar, Qumra Talks comprises three specially curated discussions, open to the public, that gathers leaders from the film, TV, technology and online worlds to share their insights on topics that add value to participants by offering new perspectives into areas that are redefining the film and media ecosystem. Fatma Al Remaihi, CEO of DFI, said: “Qumra Talks are informative and inspirational sessions that enable participants to absorb contemporary industry trends and update their knowledge and skills. For the inaugural session, we have chosen topics that not only reflect key industry developments but also highlight creative writing and the increasing role of technology in reshaping modern story-telling.”
On March 5, from 3pm to 5pm, Under the Milky Way CEO Pierre Alexandre Labelle, Front Row Filmed Entertainment Managing Director Gianluca Chakra, and Iflix Head of Middle East and North Africa Nader Sobhan will mark the first Qumra Talk on ‘International Distribution and Marketing.’
They will share their insights on the direction of the digital film distribution value chain and how independent producers can best use emerging platforms to both finance productions and recoup on their investment. This session will provide a general overview of the VOD industry, present specific case studies and discuss the role, limits and future of digital distribution as a long-term solution to reach wider and more engaged audiences in the MENA Region.
Mike Reiss, acclaimed American television comedy writer and producer, who has won four Emmys writing for The Simpsons, will take centrestage on March 6, from 3pm to 5pm, as he discusses ‘Writing and Production Animation.’
