What is the significance of the Doha Film Institute’s 11th Qumra talent and project incubator for emerging filmmakers? How does the institute’s support contribute to the Qatari film industry? What themes are explored in A.J. Al-Thani’s drama Sari & Amira? Which other notable Qatari projects are highlighted during this event? How do industry partnerships enhance the educational opportunities provided by the Doha Film Institute?
The Doha Film Institute’s 11th Qumra talent and project incubator gets underway on Friday, with the aim of nurturing 49 works across all formats supported by its grants program.
Some 350 international film and TV industry professionals will touch down in the Qatari capital from April 4 to 9 to advise and network with the emerging filmmakers behind the projects.
This year’s selection marks a milestone for the institute, which celebrates its 15th anniversary later this year, for the strong selection of projects by Qatari nationals or long-time Qatar residents, including five features.
Most advanced among these is A.J. Al-Thani’s drama Sari & Amira about a Bedouin couple living in the lawless deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, who steal a relic with the potential to transform their lives but also unleash destructive ancient forces. Pursued by a ruthless warlord and a battalion of British soldiers, they set off on a perilous journey to uncover the treasure’s truth.
Other feature projects by Qatari nationals include Noor Al-Nasr’s drama The Pearl, about a tech-obsessed Qatari teen who travels back in time to the era of pearl diving, and documentary essay Jodari Meno by Jamal Rashid Al-Khanji, exploring his personal journey as he pursues his passion for the underwater world through spearfishing, shot in Qatar, Zanzibar and Italy.
The line-up also includes two feature projects by long-time Qatari residents with strong DFI connections: Love 45 by Syrian-French director Anas Khalaf, who has lived in Doha since 2012, after fleeing Damascus due to the political situation, and Cotton Queen by Sudanese-Russian filmmaker Suzannah Mirghani.
In other formats, Doha-based Palestinian filmmaker and screenwriter Dana J. Atrach will present drama series Task Force: Apocalypse!, revolving around the imaginary Imperial Government of Bakalawi’s flawed attempt to encourage “eco-friendly” practices in the face of a looming fresh water shortage.
Another 12 Qatari short projects will also be presented at the meeting including Amna Al-Binali’s drama Inside the White Canvas about a young woman who struggles to earn her father’s approval as her curiosity about the forbidden outside world grows, and Mohammed D. Fakhro’s Rumor Has It, about a Qatari food blogger who subscribes to an AI app that promises to earn him more followers.
DFI CEO Fatma Hassan Al Remaihi says the institute has been instrumental in laying the foundations for Qatar’s emerging film and television industry by fostering local talent, supporting homegrown productions, and training hundreds of national talents annually.
A.J. Al-Thani, for example, got her first taste of filmmaking through early DFI workshops in 2010, with the institute then supporting her short films Kashta and The Black Veil.
They are among 65 films by Qatari filmmakers supported by the DFI to date, but Al Remaihi says the organization’s work goes beyond funding.
“The ecosystem we’ve created is comprehensive and includes education, training, networking, and platforms for exhibiting work and facilitating global collaborations,” she says.
“We’ve strong established industry partnerships with some of the most prestigious global film and culture organisations to further develop a highly skilled creative community in Qatar and the region, bridging the gap between the east and the west,” she adds.
Upcoming educational workshops, for example, include the Producers Lab, in collaboration with European producer body EAVE and the support of the Royal Jordanian Film Commission, and the editing focused program overseen by First Cut Lab.
In the backdrop an organic film and TV ecosystem is also taking shape.
Al-Thani’s Sari & Amira is being produced by burgeoning Qatari production house Katara Studios, headed by Ahmed Al-Baker, another local film and TV pioneer, who is credited with making the territory’s feature film, the 2010 sci-fi, 3D thriller The Package: Volume 1.
Initially producing under the banner of Innovation Production, Al-Baker is now the head of Katara Studios, and his credits include directing The Pact for Roku and creating sci-fi drama Medinah for Starzplay.
SPari & Amira is among a quartet of features currently on the go at the studio alongside biopic Sakhr, devoted to late Kuwaiti tech pioneer Mohammed Al-Sharekh; Mohammed Al Ibrahim’s mystery thriller Sa3oud Wainah and documentary Anne Everlasting about Anne Lorimor who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro at 89-years-old to reclaim her title as the oldest person to scale the summit.
Al-Thani and Al-Baker will be at Qumra with Katara Studios Senior Vice President Luca Bercovici.
“We complement each other,” comments Bercovici on the company’s relationship with the DFI.
Mohammed Al Ibrahim, who is also Senior Content Developer at Katara Studios, and in-house film editor Maryam Al-Sahli reveal that they also cut their filmmaking teeth at the DFI, followed by a stint at Al Jazeera Children (since rebranded as Jeem TV).
“Maryam and I were involved with the DFI almost from its initiation. We started out making short films back in the day. I made two shorts, Land of Pearls and Bidoon, before branching out into other outlets,” says Al Ibrahim.
His debut feature Sa3oud Wainah, which Katara Studios is billing as Qatar’s first commercial film, is currently in post-production for a planned pan-Arab release later this year.
“I think there is a hunger for local content,” says Al Ibrahim. “Whether they will go and see it in local theaters or on a platform remains to be seen but it will create buzz, that’s for sure.”
Doha Film Institute Takes Stock of Qatar Film Scene in 15th Year
As the sun sets over the skyline of Doha, the air buzzes with more than just anticipation; it carries the echoes of creativity, storytelling, and a drive for artistic innovation. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Doha Film Institute (DFI), an organization dedicated to fostering a thriving film industry and nurturing budding filmmakers in Qatar and beyond. As the institute reflects on its past and looks toward the future, it offers invaluable insights into the evolution of the Qatari film scene and the role of DFI in shaping it.
Founded in 2010, DFI was established with a mission to support the next generation of filmmakers and to cultivate an appreciation for film as an art form in Qatar. Over the past decade and a half, DFI has grown from a grassroots initiative into a leading institution in the Middle East’s film landscape. Its commitment to storytelling and film education has transformed Qatar into a burgeoning hub for cinema, attracting both regional and international talent.
The institute’s flagship initiatives, such as the Doha Film Experience, have become cornerstone events that celebrate cinematic expression. These festivals showcase a diverse slate of films from emerging talents as well as renowned filmmakers. Each year, the audience is introduced to a wide array of stories that reflect different cultures and perspectives. This celebration of diversity not only enriches the local film scene but also nurtures a sense of community among filmmakers and film enthusiasts alike.
In its 15 years of operation, DFI has also made significant strides in educational programs. From workshops and mentorship initiatives to hands-on training in filmmaking techniques, the institute equips aspiring filmmakers with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive industry. DFI’s educational initiatives have opened doors for many local talents, giving them the skills and experience needed to access global platforms. Moreover, the institute has actively collaborated with international film schools and organizations, fostering relationships that benefit aspiring Qatari filmmakers by providing them exposure to global best practices.
DFI’s investment in local talent has yielded impressive results, as many Qatari filmmakers have gained international recognition through the DFI’s support. Films backed by the institute have been screened at prestigious festivals, showcasing the richness of Qatari culture and contemporary themes. DFI-funded projects have not only unveiled Qatar’s narratives on the global stage but have also paved the way for dialogues around identity, heritage, and the future of the region.
Reflecting on the growth of the Qatari film sector, the institute recognizes the shifts in audience preferences and the landscape of storytelling. As technology advances, filmmakers are leveraging digital platforms to reach a broader audience. The rise of streaming services has indeed altered how films are produced and consumed, allowing for an increased emphasis on storytelling and inclusivity. In light of these changes, DFI has adapted its strategies to ensure that local filmmakers are well-versed in both traditional and modern methods of film production, enabling them to stay relevant in an ever-evolving industry.
Additionally, DFI plays a critical role in advocating for representation and diversity in cinema. The institute understands that storytelling transcends borders and cultures, and through their programs, they actively promote films that reflect the stories of underrepresented communities. This commitment to inclusivity is crucial for providing a more comprehensive view of Qatari life and the Arab world, allowing both local and international audiences to connect with diverse narratives.
The culmination of DFI’s efforts can be seen in its partnerships with various cultural organizations and film festivals around the world. These collaborations generate opportunities for knowledge exchange and resource sharing, reinforcing Qatar’s position as a notable player in the global film sector. Additionally, DFI’s international outreach serves to introduce Qatar’s art and culture to global audiences, fostering mutual understanding through the universal language of film.
As the Doha Film Institute celebrates its 15th anniversary, it also looks ahead to a future ripe with possibilities. With the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar and other significant cultural events, there is an optimism that the global spotlight will shine even brighter on the region’s cinema. The institute aspires to leverage this momentum to further enhance its programs, elevate local voices, and continue building a sustainable film ecosystem that nurtures creativity and innovation.
In conclusion, the Doha Film Institute’s 15th year is not just a milestone; it is a reaffirmation of its commitment to building a rich film culture in Qatar. With its diverse array of initiatives, DFI continuously invigorates the local film scene, offering aspiring filmmakers the freedom to express their narratives while connecting with larger global conversations. As Qatar’s film industry forges ahead, DFI will undoubtedly remain at the forefront, championing the art of storytelling and the power of cinema to inspire. The next chapter awaits, full of untold stories ready to unfold on screens around the world.
The Doha Film Institute (DFI) recently marked its 15th anniversary, reflecting on its journey and contributions to the film scene in Qatar. Established in 2010, the DFI has played a pivotal role in promoting and developing the local film industry, showcasing Qatari talent, and facilitating international collaborations.
Over the years, the institute has organized various film festivals, workshops, and educational programs aimed at nurturing filmmakers and artists in the region. The Doha Film Festival, launched in 2013, has become a significant platform for showcasing both local and international cinema, attracting filmmakers and audiences from around the globe.
The DFI has also invested in numerous film projects, supporting both emerging and established filmmakers. This commitment to storytelling reflects the cultural richness of Qatar and the broader Arab world. Additionally, initiatives such as the Qatari Film Fund have encouraged local narratives and perspectives in cinema.
As the DFI continues to evolve, its focus remains on fostering a vibrant film culture in Qatar, providing opportunities for artists to express their creativity, and engaging audiences with diverse cinematic experiences. The institute’s ongoing efforts highlight the importance of film as a medium for cultural exchange and understanding within both local and global contexts.
As the DFI looks to the future, it aims to strengthen its position as a cornerstone of the Qatari cultural landscape, enhancing the country’s reputation as a hub for filmmaking and creative expression in the Middle East.