The Doha Film Institute has announced the four feature film grant recipients of the Qatari Film Fund, underlining its commitment to strengthen the framework of the nation’s cinematic landscape. The four feature films will join the recently announced line-up of nine short films set to receive support within the first cycle of the funding programme, created to develop up to four feature films, in addition to developing and producing up to eight short films every year.

Over the course of the programme, the Doha Film Institute will work with the four filmmakers to develop and finalise their scripts; outline and implement budgets and production schedules; secure creative and technical teams; and provide mentorship opportunities with industry specialists. The fund’s structure allows for at least one of the four feature films in development to be selected for further production support in 2016.

Drawing inspiration from faith, family, cross-cultural friendship and self-discovery, the four feature films serve as a window into the creative aspirations of Qatar’s emerging filmmaking talent. Fatma Al Remaihi, CEO of the Doha Film Institute, said: “Our goal has always been to inspire, nurture, and empower a generation of storytellers who can champion the growth of our film industry into the global arena; and the line-up of the feature films selected for the Qatari Film Fund are a testament to this vision.”

“The newest additions to the Qatari Film Fund slate not only represent the next generation of Qatari filmmakers, but underscore the importance of providing multi-faceted support to enable these filmmakers to hone their skills and make their creative vision a reality.” Under the Qatari Film Fund, feature film treatments and screenplays at varying levels of progress are eligible for development funds up to QAR 182,500, which includes bespoke mentoring opportunities provided by the Doha Film Institute through its international network of industry professionals.

The four feature films selected for development are:

‘Kakashi’ directed by Yousef Al-Moadhadi and written by Hind Al-Ghawi: Kakashi, a Japanese man, lives in a permanent state of panic and insecurity. His fiancée Sayuri has moved to London and has become unsure of her desire to marry this nervous wreck. To get out of the situation, she places what she thinks is an impossible demand on Kakashi: she tells him he must meet her in London. Kakashi, who is terrified of flying and has never boarded an airplane, has no choice but to undertake the mission or lose his true love. When a passport mix-up leaves him stranded in Qatar, Kakashi is plunged into a series of culture-clash adventures that draw him into Khaleeji society and transform him into the man he needs to be.

‘The DNA of Love’ directed by Hafiz Ali Ali and written by Tom Abrams: After the death of his Qatari wife, a retired engineer decides to visit the United States to find Sofia, the daughter who has been lost to him since his first wife left Qatar 20 years earlier. Meanwhile, after the death of her American mother, Sofia travels to Doha to find answers to her mother’s secret past. Each character must deal with their loss and the challenges of a new and unfamiliar world as they search for each other.

‘Superpower’ written and directed by Mohamed Al Mahmeed: ‘Superpower' is the story of Jassim, a cancer-ridden Qatari teenager who returns home to his dysfunctional family after spending time in hospital. Fatma, Jassim’s loving, religious sister, notices her brother’s anxiety and their parents’ lack of concern for him. Jassim shows her a list of the tallest buildings in the world, which he would visit if he were not ill. Fatma convinces Jassim to run away with her to visit the buildings, in Dubai, New York City, Tokyo, Shanghai and Mecca. When their parents learn of Jassim and Fatma's adventure, they join them in New York, which becomes a battleground for the whole family. As Jassim and Fatma continue their trip, they come to understand who they are, their faith and their dreams.

‘Little River’ directed by Sheikha Shaikha Al-Thani: In Mecca, Amna meets an older woman named Mariam, who works for an organisation that assists exiled citizens. All through their conversation, Mariam asks the younger woman, “What happened to your sister?” Through flashbacks, Amna reveals the story of her sister Alya and her father, an alleged state criminal, who refuses to give up his home and the river. A tale of faith, betrayal and love, ‘Little River’ examines the dynamics of family and society and the pain of remembrance, all rooted in the poetry of Jalal Ad-Din Rumi, thoughts from ‘Don Quixote’ and a well-known ayah from the Qur’an: “Verily with every difficulty there is relief”.

Marking the fifth year of partnership and cultural exchange between Doha Film Institute (DFI) and Giffoni, six young representatives from Qatar joined the Giffoni Film Festival Jury and returned home recently, said The Peninsula.

The jury of 3,600 young people from 45 countries participated in screenings and activities and deliberated on winners of the 45th edition of Europe’s largest children’s film festival in Italy. Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari and Fatma Al Remaihi, CEO, DFI,  were present. Dr Al Kuwari praised opportunities for cultural exchange presented by the partnership which included a special screening of ‘Made in Qatar’ films as part of Giffoni’s official programme, furthering DFI’s efforts to promote creative achievements of filmmakers from Qatar worldwide.

DFI’s presence also included co-hosting Giffoni Doha Youth Summit of representatives from the world’s leading film festivals and cinematic organisations for young people to share experiences and spearhead an action plan for collaboration. The summit takes place twice a year alternating between meetings at Doha’s Ajyal Youth Film Festival and Italy’s Giffoni Experience. In her opening address to summit delegates, Al Remaihi said: “Through cinema and programmes we share through our organisations, we enable young people to discuss ideas, experience films that inspire them, make them laugh or cry, and sometimes change the way they see the world. 

“We come together at the summit to discuss this shared responsibility with our youth and how we can best work together to continue to enrich the lives of young people through film.” The third edition of Ajyal Youth Film Festival will be held in Doha from November 29 to December 5. Youth participation is at the heart of the festival. Its  jury programme provides the 8-21 age group with opportunity to watch, analyse and discuss films from all over the world, developing critical thinking, self-expression and an appreciation of cinema. Registration for 2015 Ajyal Jury begins in September. 

Strengthening its ongoing commitment to international film production, the Doha Film Institute today announced its latest co-financing partnership on Hany Abu-Assad’s ‘The Idol’ (Ya Tayr El Tayr).

‘The Idol’, directed by Academy Award-nominated Palestinian filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad (Paradise Now, Omar), will have its world premiere at next month’s Toronto International Film Festival where it will screen as part of the festival’s Special Presentations, a programme dedicated to showcasing high-profile premieres and the world's leading filmmakers. The film tells the inspirational true story of Mohammad Assaf, a wedding singer from Gaza who became a worldwide sensation after winning the live-singing competition Arab Idol in 2013.

Doha Film Institute CEO Fatma Al Remaihi said: “Hany Abu-Assad is one of the most significant filmmakers from the Arab world and we are honoured to be partners on ‘The Idol’. Mohammed Assaf’s remarkable story, the many struggles he had to overcome, and his love and commitment to his family and community in Gaza had a powerful impact on us. In the hands of a great filmmaker like Hany Abu-Assad, this story will undoubtedly continue to resonate with people all over the world. We are really looking forward to sharing the film with audiences at its world premiere in Toronto next month.”

The Doha Film Institute has been involved with ‘The Idol’ from the production stage of the project and this week, two Qatari filmmakers have participated in a post-production internship, working alongside Hany Abu-Assad during the final edit of the film in London.

The post-production interns are: Yousef Al Moadhadi, an editor and director whose short film ‘10%’ won the Made in Qatar Award at the 2014 Ajyal Youth Film Festival; and Leena Al Musalmani, a Northwestern University in Qatar graduate whose first film, ‘Public Phone’, screened as part of the Made in Qatar section of the 2014 Ajyal Youth Film Festival. The Institute’s Co-financing Coordinator and emerging filmmaker, Meriem Mesraoua, was also in attendance to observe and learn from the experience.

Commenting on the experience of her internship on the project, Leena Al Musalmani said: “This has been such a valuable experience for me to gain first-hand experience on a feature production. It was amazing to observe the dynamic of the crew and how they are working as a team towards one goal and supporting each other to achieve it.” The Doha Film Institute’s participation in ‘The Idol’ follows its recent co-financing role on ‘Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet’, an animated feature film written and directed by Roger Allers (‘The Lion King’) with ‘chapters’ from nine award-winning animators. Salma Hayek produced the film and is one of the voice cast. The film is currently on release in the US.

The Institute’s co-financing division seeks to invest in projects that are culturally relevant and commercially viable, with the underlying aim of strengthening the film industry of Qatar by facilitating opportunities for collaboration and development for Qatari Filmmakers. In addition to its co-financing slate, the Institute supports first- and second-time filmmakers from around the world and established filmmakers from the MENA region through its grants programme which has funded more than 220 films since 2010. National film talent is further supported by the recently formed development and production fund - the Qatari Film Fund.

Photo caption: Yousef Al Moadhadi and Hany Abu-Assad pictured during post-production for 'The Idol'

The Doha Film Institute is supporting two Qatari filmmakers to attend the second annual edition of the Gulf Summer University, created by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its Gulf Film Office in association with the prestigious French National Film School, La Fémis. A special training programme created to nurture the filmmaking skills of GCC-based young directors, the Gulf Summer University is being held in Paris until September 11, 2015.

Founded in 2014, The Gulf Summer University is welcoming Qatari filmmakers for the first time to the programme this year. The Doha Film Institute joined hands with the French Embassy in Qatar to identify the two participants, further underlining the commitment of France and Qatar to contribute to cultural and cinematic development in the region.

Fatma Al Remaihi, Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute, said: “The Gulf Summer University is an exceptional opportunity for our young filmmakers to learn from masters of cinema in the creatively invigorating city of Paris. We are committed to extending all possible support to nurture our emerging filmmakers and to provide them with access to the knowledge and training to fortify their skills. Through our partnership with the French Embassy and La Fémis, we are highlighting the global collaborations that are of great benefit to our filmmakers’ development.”

Marc Nicolas, Director General of La Fémis, said: “We are very pleased to welcome young aspiring filmmakers from the GCC countries in our school for five weeks. We hope this training programme will help them develop their skills, discover the diversity of our French cinema and contribute to establish professional basis back in their country.” 

The Gulf Summer University 2015 is organised with the support of GCC organisations including the Doha Film Institute in Qatar as well as Cinescape in Kuwait, Total in the UAE, Technal Middle East, Dadahai, a private donor in Bahrain, and the French Embassies and Alliances Française offices in the GCC region. Open only for seven young national filmmakers from the GCC region, the programme aims to develop their filmmaking skills in a holistic way across multiple disciplines through classes led by professionals from the French film industry.

The five-week programme consists of intensive classes five days a week, during which the trainees will explore the craft of filmmaking and discover contemporary French cinema through critical evaluations of works by major French directors. The theory programme will cover production craft, the work of a producer, co-production, funds and festivals, cinema aesthetics, French cinema, screenwriting, film fundamentals, script continuity, story breakdown, directing and casting.

They will then go on to direct a five-minute film based on an existing script covering aspects such as rewriting, location scouting, shooting for one day and editing in four days. Each trainee, in turn, assumes directing, camera operating and photography, sound recording and editing. For that purpose, they will all be taught the fundamentals of cinematography, sound recording and editing.

La Fémis was created in 1986, and chaired by international award winning director Raoul Peck since 2010. Supported by the French Ministry of Culture and Media, La Fémis trains 50 students every year to be directors, screenwriters, producers, editors, directors of photography, sound designers, production designers, continuity supervisors, film distributors and exhibitors. It is ranked as the 6th best school in the world by The Hollywood Reporter in their recent rankings.

La Fémis is actively involved in setting up exchange agreements with international film schools, organising common curricula with partner schools, creating special programmes for foreign students, organising a short programme for European documentary filmmakers and various activities within the network of film schools. Recently, it developed a consulting service for countries wishing to create high standard educational film programmes.

Camp Qatar 2015 recently wrapped up its inaugural year of summer activities with more than 150 Arabic-speaking children between 11- 14 years old from private and independent schools across Qatar having taken part.

Held under the theme ‘Seifak Ala Keifak’, Camp Qatar 2015 marked the closing of its first successful year with a student work exhibit that provided the children an opportunity to showcase their experience at the fun-filled fortnight to family and friends. “Camp Qatar 2015 was the best part of my summer because it was so much fun,” said participant Dana Al Malki. “I learned to do so many cool things and although I loved the sports activities, my favorite part was Mad Science.”

Camp Qatar 2015 offered the children of Doha a unique experience comprised of both social and academic components - developed in partnership with INJAZ Qatar, the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim (SFQ) Sports Academy, Little Engineer Qatar, Mad Science, Qatar Museums, the Doha Film Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College Qatar and Arts and Crafts. “Through English, Mathematics, and Science classes, as well as sports, arts and culture, and community outreach activities, children were empowered to lead and excel through a fun, exciting and educational experience,” explained Aisha Al-Mansoor, one of Camp Qatar’s coordinators.

Having taken part in sports such as football, basketball, karate, and kick-boxing run by the SFQ Sports Academy, the children also experienced silk painting, collage portraits, charcoal drawing, acrylic painting, decoupage and puppet making during the art sessions with Qatar Museums Authority and Arts and Crafts. They were also treated to a film screening by the Doha Film Institute, in which they learned about the influence of the media and how it can be a powerful tool to convey important values and life lessons. They also managed to make their very own stop- motion videos and present them in the closing showcase.

Meanwhile, the Little Engineer experience allowed the children to gain hands-on robotics experience as they explored the development of soft-skills such as team work, problem solving, planning and innovation. While Mad Science offered children the opportunity to conduct fun experiments and explore different states of matter, while learning to create things like slime and crystals. The students also attended a workshop conducted by INJAZ in which they learned about earning, spending, sharing and saving money, as well as how to be smart consumers and distinguish between real and fake advertisements.

“I’m very glad that I sent my daughter to Camp Qatar 2015,” said Adel Al-Sharshani. “She was able to spend a lot of time with other students her age, and she really enjoyed it. She was very excited to leave for the camp every morning, and in the afternoon it was hard to get her home because she always wanted to stay longer.” 

The Doha Film Institute has opened the call for young film enthusiasts aged 8 to 21 years to be on the Ajyal Jury responsible for choosing the winners in the third edition of the Ajyal Youth Film Festival, taking place from November 29 to December 5, 2015.

The Ajyal Jury will watch films, analyse them, vote for their favourites and select the winners of the Ajyal Competition, made up of short and feature length films from around the world. They will also meet film directors and actors who are attending the festival, take part in workshops to learn more about filmmaking techniques and experience a wide range of fun activities to be held across Katara Cultural Village during the seven days of the Ajyal Youth Film Festival.

Last year’s VIP guests included Salma Hayek-Pinault who presented her animated feature film ‘Khalil Gibran’s The Prophet’ to the Ajyal jurors and said of the experience: “This is the first time I have experienced this idea of a youth festival and it has been amazing. It was fascinating for all of us to be able to have an interaction with the Ajyal jurors, it is a way to hear their voices and to know what is going through their minds.”

Fatma Al Remaihi, Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute and Director of the Ajyal Youth Film Festival, said: “Our young jurors are indeed at the heart of the festival and we look forward to welcoming back those who have participated in the past along with those joining us on this cinematic journey for the first time.” “Inviting young people to take part - not as spectators but as active participants in the event - reflects our commitment to nurture a deep understanding of film in the younger generation and open their minds, through cinema, to the experiences of young people around the world.”

Last year, Ajyal welcomed 450 young jurors of 45 nationalities, who judged the festival films in three sections – Mohaq (meaning new moon), Hilal (crescent moon) and Bader (full moon). This year the Doha Film Institute invites young people to serve on the Mohaq, Hilal and Bader jury with an expanded Mohaq section this year to include feature films in competition for the first time. Jurors aged 8 to 12, the youngest in the Ajyal Jury, will watch a programme of short films and four feature-length films in the Mohaq section. Hilal jury is open for young people in the 13 to 17 years age-group; they will watch and evaluate a programme of short films and five feature-length films. Bader jurors, in the 18 to 21 age group, will select their favourite films from five features and two programmes of short films.

Registration for the Ajyal Jury is open from September 1 to October 25, at dohafilminstitute.com/ajyaljury. For details, contact: ajyaljury@dohafilminstitute.com. Doha Film Institute also offers Ajyal Jury members the opportunity to take part in international events through its partnerships with like-minded organisations. For the past three years, six jurors were selected to participate in the international youth jury of the Giffoni Film Festival, the largest film festival for children in the world.

The third edition of the Ajyal Youth Film Festival will feature popular initiatives including The Sandbox digital exhibition space, outdoor screenings and the Doha Giffoni Youth Summit industry gathering. 

Doha Film Institute joins the celebrations to mark Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture with a special screening of a behind-the-scenes documentary, ‘Secret World of Magnificent Century’, of one of Turkish televisions most opulent productions, ‘Magnificent Century’, an elaborate period drama that reimagines Turkey’s imperial past.

The special event presented by Qatar Museums, the Doha Film Institute and the Dogus Group, will be held on 15 September at the Opera House in Katara and serves as a curtain raiser to launch the grand ‘Harem Al Sultan: The Exhibition’ on the following day. The documentary will take viewers behind the making of the popular series that has gripped viewers worldwide since its premiere in 2011, and will be followed by an extended Q&A session with Halit Ergenç  (who plays Sultan Suleiman).

Directed by Yağmur and Durul Taylan, described as the Turkish Coen brothers, the programme is aired in more than 54 countries, from Italy to China and reaches more than 200 million viewers worldwide.  A soap opera set in the court of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, the programme has been breaking Turkish television records and has captured the hearts of viewers from Turkey, the Arab world and beyond. Sultan Süleyman, who reigned from 1520 to 1566, is known in Turkey as the Lawmaker, renowned for his innovative legal code, for the opulence of his court, and for expanding the Ottoman Empire from Transylvania to the Persian Gulf. The plot of “Magnificent Century” depicts intrigues at the court of Sultan Süleyman.

The special screening will be followed by the grand opening of the “Harem Al Sultan - Magnificent Century: The Exhibition - Special Edition” on the 16 of September at the Qatar Museums Gallery in Katara. The celebrated exhibition, from 17th Sep to 12 Dec, will leave Turkey for the first time as part of Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture activities, since its world premiere in Istanbul last year. The exhibition, which includes artifacts and costumes as well as rich interactive extensions, provides visitors an opportunity to experience the glorious world of Suleiman the Magnificent.

Tickets for the documentary screening are free but must be reserved for admission. Tickets will be available from Monday, 7 September at 12:00PM and may be reserved online 24 hours a day at www.dohafilminstitute.com or requested at the DFI ticket outlet at the Katara Opera House on September 15 from 2:00PM – 9:00PM. Tickets are limited and available while supplies last.

To highlight the achievements of the Qatari film industry over the past five years, the Doha Film Institute is hosting the inaugural ‘Focus on Qatar’ showcase from 30 September to 2 October at the Museum of Islamic Art.

Part of the ongoing Hekayat Khaleejiya screening series, the ‘Focus on Qatar’ showcase will put the spotlight on homegrown talent and key achievements that have contributed to the growth of film culture in Qatar,. The three-day event includes screenings and industry programmes that celebrate the birth of cinema in Qatar and will provide a snapshot of the filmmakers and production companies that are contributing to the Qatari industry’s growth.

Commenting on the initiative, Fatma Al Remaihi, CEO of the Doha Film Institute, said, “‘Focus in Qatar has been designed as a tribute to the nation’s 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 beloved art form. “Filmmaking in Qatar has become a reality due to our country’s visionary leadership and the combined efforts of individuals and organisations committed to supporting local talent, and promoting Qatar on the world stage. We at the Doha Film Institute are proud to have contributed to this vision. We look forward to welcoming the community in our celebration of our nation’s cinema and the people who make it possible.” 

The showcase launches with a special screening of Qatar’s first feature-length film Clockwise (Qatar, 2010) by Khalifa Al-Muraikhi on 30^th September. The feature debut of Al-Muraikhi relates the folk tale 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 various 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.

In addition to the opening film, ‘Focus on Qatar’ also includes screenings as part of the ‘Next Generation Short Film Programme’ and ‘Innovation Films Showcase’. The short film programme scheduled on 1^st October, comprises films from independent filmmakers that have emerged in Qatar over the last five years and the Innovation Films Showcase on 2^nd October highlights the achievements of Innovation Films, a company that has been 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 specially curated events; ‘Meet the Production Houses’ that introduces participants to key production companies in Qatar, with the objective to encourage future collaborations and a panel, ‘How to Distribute Your Film’, that explores the various distribution possibilities available to independent filmmakers for wider reach.

Next Generation Short Film Programme (Thursday/1October/ 8:00 PM/Museum of Islamic Art Auditorium)

10% (Qatar, 2014), directed by Yousef Al Moadhadi, is a witty take on everyone’s dependence on mobiles that rings timely and true. Told in hilarious flashbacks, ‘10%’ narrates the story of a young man obsessed with his mobile phone. Worried because his battery is running low, he gets into all kinds of trouble because of his beloved gadget – he loses his job, crashes his car and even falls into a sewage pit. Is this the end of the love affair between man and machine? 10%’ won the Made in Qatar Award at the 2014 Ajyal Youth Film Festival, where the jury praised the film for “the simplicity of its central idea coupled with its excellent techniques in cinematography, direction and presentation.”

Temsah (Qatar, 2013) by Latifa Al-Darwish and Rouda Al-Meghaiseeb , follows Abdulaziz as he prepares to visit Dubai’s comic convention, where he hopes to find a publisher for ‘Skanwah’, the first comic book created in Qatar. Along the way, he discusses his life and experiences in Qatar, his inspiration and his hopes for the future.

Attack of the Health Invaders (Qatar, 2014) by Noor Al-Nasr was first screened at the 2014 Ajyal Youth Film Festival. The film is about Nasser who doesn’t drink water, preferring soft drinks instead. The film shows how this bad habit can affect Hamood’s health. As the story progresses, he comes to recognise the importance of taking care of oneself.

Amreeka Laa (Qatar, 2015) by Hind Al Ansari narrates the story of Yousif who desperately wants to go to university in New York City, so when the school he has applied to accepts him, he starts getting ready for the big move to the USA. His father, however, is opposed to the idea of his son going to a land where he will not be respected. Will Yousif’s dream succeed where his father’s could not? A clear-eyed examination of the hopes and dreams of two generations.

Al-Kora (Qatar, 2013) by Amal Al Muftah is about a kid playing soccer by himself in an old Qatari village. When he accidentally throws the football beyond a wall and doesn’t know how to retrieve it, his sister comes to the rescue, but her act of kindness gets her into trouble.

My Hero (Qatar, 2013) by Nora Al Subai won a Best Short Film award at the Ajyal Youth Film Festival in 2013. The film is about a young boy who idolises his father and longs to spend more time with him, but nothing seems to work: the man is just too busy. Then one day the youngster devises a clever way to grab his father’s attention by playing him at his own game.

The Racer (Qatar, 2009) directed by Sophia Al-Maria is a quiet lament about the tragic results of street racing in Qatar.

In My Grandfather’s Past Through My Eyes (Qatar, 2009) by Noor Ahmed Yaqub, one girl’s wild imagination takes us on a journey into Qatar's curiously familiar past.

Molokhiaphobia! (Qatar, 2011) by Abdullah Al Ali is about the popular Arab dish that might be a treat for many, but not for Yousef.

Old Airport Road (Qatar, 2014) by Abdullah Al-Mulla is about a delusional and aimless young man who wanders the city, lost in his imagination. Over the course of his day, his monologue provides an unintentionally sarcastic exposé of the reality of being disconnected from family and friends. Solemn and quiet, he goes about his business with only the sound of his own voice in his head. The day passes from the noise of the world outside to the solitude of his home, where his hollow existence betrays the visions of his day.

Land of Pearls (Qatar, 2011) by Mohammed Al-Ibrahim is about a pearl shopkeeper telling his grandson of his encounters with the sea in the 1950s.

Innovation Films Showcase (Friday/2 October/7:00 PM/Museum of Islamic Art Auditorium)

Lockdown: Red Moon Escape (Qatar, 2012) by Mohammed Al Ibrahim and Ahmed Al Baker was screened at the 2011 Doha Tribeca Film Festival and the Gulf Film Festival in 2012. While Saif and Rashid are out in the desert fixing a flat tire, they encounter the unimaginable: a pack of zombies on the loose. Saif escapes, but when a military task force jails him, he finds himself surrounded by supernatural beings. Will he ever escape this living nightmare?

Bidoon (Qatar, 2012) by Mohammed Al Ibrahim is about Aziz and Rana, two Qatar Foundation students of different social standing, secretly in love. When they decide they want to take their commitment to another level and get married, their families object to the proposed union. Now, Aziz must decide on his next step.

T-Boy (Qatar, 2014) by Maryam Al Sahli is about a young Indian IT professional who has moved to Doha on the promise of lucrative employment and ends up in a job making tea for the employees of an office. When one of the managers discovers his outstanding skills, a glimpse of a better future brings a sparkle to the worker’s eye. Cleverly constructed to let us embrace the hopes of an endearing character, this crushing film sheds a harsh, unforgiving light on the tough life of immigrant labourers.

In I (Qatar, 2012) by Ali Al-Anssari, a psycho demands perfection in every aspect of his life. When he notices that his friend has an asymmetrical face, he decides to take matters into his own hands.

All screenings and events are free. Please reserve a ticket for admission. Tickets can be purchased in person from the Museum of Islamic Art DFI Ticket Outlet on Wednesday from 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM, Thursday from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Friday from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.dohafilminstitute.com. Viewers are advised to the Doha Film Institute Film Ratings Guide for film attendance policy and age regulations. 

Nine films made with support from the Doha Film Institute are screening at the 40^th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival which opened on Thursday, 10^th September. Three of the films make their world premiere during the highly anticipated annual event including the much awaited next feature from Oscar nominated director Hany Abu-Assad, ‘The Idol’.

The Institute is also supporting the attendance of three Qatari filmmakers and content producers to attend the TIFF industry programme. Bassam Al Ibrahim and Mohamed Al-Ibrahim from Innovation Films and KhalifaAl-Haroon, the founder of iLoveQatar.net and the iLoveQatar network are participating in the seven day industry conference that brings together over 250 high caliber speakers on a range of topics relevant to the industry including financing, co-producing, marketing & distribution along with sessions dedicated to the craft of filmmaking, including master classes with prominent filmmakers.

Institute supported films in the official programme include eight recipients of Doha Film Institute grants with two world premieres: Lebanese crime drama ‘Very Big Shot’ directed by MirjeanBouChaaya screening in the Discovery programme; and Mai Masri’s moving Palestinian drama ‘3000 Nights’ in the Contemporary World Cinema programme. Other grantees making their North American debuts following successful international festival screenings include: ‘Frenzy’ directed by EminAlper which won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival this weekend; ‘Nasser’ directed by JihanEl-Tahri screening in the TIFF Docs programme and animated short film ‘Waves ’98’ directed by ElieDhager, winner of the Palmed’Or for Best Short Film at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. Three Doha Film Institute grantees by first-time directors that all made their debut in Cannes are also part of the line-up. They are: Turkish coming-of-age drama, ‘Mustang’, directed by DenizGamzeErgüven; Palestinian drama ‘Dégradé’ directed by twin brothers Tarzan and Arab Nasser; and Ethiopian film  ‘Lamb’ directed by YaredZeleke.

‘The Idol’, directed by two-time Academy Award nominee HanyAbu-Assad (‘Paradise Now’, ‘Omar’) made its world premiere on Friday evening in the prestigious Special Presentations programme. Co-financed by the Doha Film Institute, the film tells the remarkable true story of Arab Idol winner Mohammad Assaf. HanyAbu-Assad and Mohammad Assaf were in attendance along with QaisAtallah, the Gazan actor who plays the young Assaf in the film and Ahmad Qasim and AbdelkaderAbubaraka who play his childhood friends.

Leading US trade publication, Variety, praised the film by saying: “A thoroughly captivating portrait of Mohammad Assaf, the Gazan singer who won Arab Idol at age 23 and became an irresistible symbol of hope for Palestinians worldwide” and claims it is “a picture that deserves an audience well beyond its natural Arab fanbase.”.

Doha Film Institute CEO Fatma Al Remaihi said: “We are very proud to be in Toronto to represent Qatar at this important international gathering for the film industry as TIFF celebrates the milestone of its 40^th year. The TIFF programme is always an inspiring reflection of what is happening in world cinema at this point in time and we are delighted to have supported nine films in the line-up in their journey to the screen. We are also very pleased to facilitate the attendance of three talented Qatari filmmakers and content creators to participate in the industry component of the Festival to further their professional development and networks within the international film community.” 

Al Remaihi participated in a panel on the weekend as part of TIFF’s Industry Programme titled “Industry Dialogues: Financing Talent Discovery” where she spoke alongside Doreen Boonekamp, CEO of the Netherlands Film Fund; Laura Michalchyshyn, Executive Producer and Co-Founder of Sundance Productions and Deborah Sathe, Head Of Talent Development and Production at Film London. The panelists shared insights on how the financing process can lead to the discovery of new filmmaking talent through international opportunities, programs and mentors—and what filmmakers can do to get noticed.

The Toronto International Film Festival continues until Sunday, 20th September. 

Aspiring filmmakers, writers, university students and business professionals from the Middle East will learn how to develop story ideas into great movies at the Doha Film Institute’s Story Seminar with Matthew Luhn, renowned Story Supervisor at Pixar Animation Studios. A collaboration between the Doha Film Institute and the Qatar Animation Centre, and an initiative of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the day-long interactive seminar on 10^th October 2015, will provide participants with insights to develop powerful and compelling movies that resonate globally.

Matthew Luhn has more than 20 years experience at Pixar where he has created award-winning stories and characters for some of the studio’s most popular animations including all three Toy Story movies, Monsters Inc., Finding Nemo, Cars, Ratatouille, UP and Monsters University. He has worked with the best innovators and Directors to develop a process that focuses their team’s creativity into generating fresh ideas, enhancing the characters and storyline and producing award-winning films that have the potential to entertain audiences across boundaries.

Participants will be given the tools to create well-structured stories, master the three key elements of storytelling, communicate unique and compelling stories, transfer written ideas onto visual story boards and develop skills to overcome creative blocks in addition to other key topics to enhance their writing.

Matthew Luhn has heard thousands of great ideas while working at Pixar for over 20 years and teaches students, graduates, and working professionals the story methods and skills required to develop good ideas into great movies. He has held story seminars, workshops and keynotes for leading industry professionals including writers, artists, directors and creative leaders from reputed global brands such as Sony, Apple, Cartoon Network, Paramount Pictures, BBC, Warner Brothers and Dreamworks among others.

Registration for the workshop closes on 5th October 2015. For more details and program requirements, please visit www.dohafilminstitute.com

"Harem Al Sultan: The Exhibition" opened today in a grand ceremony attended by HE Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, Minister of Culture Arts and Heritage, leading talent from the popular TV series and executives from Dogus Group, TIMS Productions, Istanbul Entertainment Group and DFI as part of the activities of the Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture. The opening took place in QM Gallery Building 10 in Katara amidst throngs of die-hard fans of the series who came to see the actors in person.

Evocative, entertaining and impressive "Harem Al Sultan: The Exhibition" takes visitors on a journey through the palace of "Harem Al Sultan" to experience what it felt like to be living in an era of greatness and dangerous ambitions. From very first episodes to unforgettable scenes, the large multimedia exhibition will present the original décor, costumes and accessories used during the show. Guests will get an up close and personal look at the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating the iconic props and costumes that appeared throughout the famous series illustrating the life and times of Suleiman the Magnificent.

Safiya Al Hajari, Director of the Office of Strategic Cultural Relations, said: “This is the first time the exhibition will be leaving Istanbul and Qatar Museums is delighted to be hosting such an important exhibition that has educated millions of people on the historic and cultural significance of the Ottoman Empire as part of the Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture.”

When "Harem Al Sultan" first broadcasted in 2011, nobody expected that the Ottoman Empire would be conquering the world again, yet after the first season it quickly became a phenomenon. From Italy to China, airing in more than 54 countries, the show has reached more than 200 million viewers worldwide. Ever since the show introduced Alexandra, as a slave girl to Suleiman the Magnificent, to her moments of becoming Huyam, possibly the most powerful women in the whole Ottoman Empire, the small screen brought unprecedented scenes of love, lust and passion to TV. An interactive adaptation of the historical fiction, “Harem Al Sultan: The Exhibition” reveals a unique experience of life in the Palace.

Doğuş Group CEO Hüsnü Akhan commented on the exhibition: Doğuş Group endeavors to touch the spirit of the past to make better sense of the present, and build a more prosperous future.” Akhan continued: “Preserving cultural heritage has a special position among the efforts of the group in fulfilling its corporate citizenship mission. The latest example is our sponsorship of “Magnificent Century: The Exhibition” – a throwback to one of the most illustrious and exceptional periods in our history.  Realizing Qatar’s great interest in the exhibition, we set out to ensure that the exhibition becomes available to the people of Qatar and represents Turkey abroad in the best way possible.  We are delighted to play our part in promoting Turkey’s greatest asset, its cultural heritage.” 

Authentic artifacts will be displayed in elaborate settings inspired by locations from the Palace including the Harem and the Hamam. Exclusively made hyper-realistic silicone sculptures will enhance the feeling of being with the Sultan and his family. This is a chance to step inside a glorious world with Suleiman the Magnificent. The 600 square metre exhibition which includes artifacts and costumes as well as rich interactive extensions is an experience to know more about the unforgettable and beloved characters of the soap opera. 

A gift shop with items inspired from the series will open its doors to visitors alongside the exhibition selling jewellery, costumes, and other interesting Turkish Ottoman arts and crafts where guests can leave with a piece of the show adding to the atmospheric nature of the exhibition and the all-round experience. The Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture is dedicated to connecting people in Qatar and Turkey through exploring the contemporary and traditional cultures of both countries. This exhibition will showcase the unique aspect of Turkish Ottoman history which included Qatar and will allow for people in both countries to learn more about each other and discover new aspects of art and culture.

"Harem Al Sultan: The Exhibition" made its world premiere in Istanbul in November 2014 and will travel to Doha for the first time as part of Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture. This is the first time the exhibition will leave Istanbul and will run from 17^th Sep – 12 Dec in QM Gallery in Katara.

The inaugural ‘Focus on Qatar’ showcase, presented by the Doha Film Institute, is set to start on Wednesday 30 September at the Museum of Islamic Art. The three-day event includes screenings and industry panels designed to put the spotlight on home-grown talent and celebrate the filmmakers who have made an impact on Qatar’s film culture over the past five years.

The showcase launches with a special screening of Qatar’s first feature-length film Clockwise (Qatar, 2010) by Khalifa Al-Muraikhi on 30^th September. It also includes screenings as part of the ‘Next Generation Short Film Programme’ and ‘Innovation Films Showcase’. The short film programme scheduled on 1^st October, comprises films from independent filmmakers that have emerged in Qatar over the last five years and the Innovation Films Showcase on 2^nd October highlights the achievements of leading Qatari production company, Innovation Films.

The industry programme on October 1-2, brings together Qatari filmmakers and local industry professionals for two specially curated events; ‘Meet the Production Houses’ and a panel, ‘How to Distribute Your Film’. All screenings and events are free. Please reserve a ticket for admission. Tickets can be reserved in person from the Museum of Islamic Art DFI Ticket Outlet on Wednesday from 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM, Thursday from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Friday from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.dohafilminstitute.com.

Viewers are advised to the Doha Film Institute Film Ratings Guide for film attendance policy and age regulations. 

Opening speech for Focus on Qatar by Fatma Al Remaihi (pictured):

Good evening and welcome to the first edition of Focus on Qatar

This screening series has been designed as a tribute to our nation’s cinema and the people who make it possible. Our national cinema is young compared with other more established industries – but in a very short time, we have seen immense growth and we are here to celebrate those who have led the wave of change within our developing industry. In particular, we are focusing on the past five years – a milestone which marks the first Qatari feature film, Clockwise by Khalifa Al Muraikhi.

In this time we have also seen an explosion of emerging, youthful talent expressing their own unique creative vision through film. We at the Doha Film Institute are very proud to have played our part in this growth of the past five years, through skills-sharing workshops, technical training, funding and the enrichment that comes from experiencing the best in world cinema at our screenings and festivals. While we look back to celebrate all that has been achieved in the past five years, we are also looking forward to what the future holds.

We have recently embarked on an exciting new phase for Qatari cinema in partnership with our nation’s filmmakers through the Qatari Film Fund – a mentorship and development fund dedicated to supporting national talent. There are currently nine short films and four feature films in development through this programme and the first of these will start production this month. The men and women supported through this fund represent the next generation of Qatari filmmakers and we are honored to play a part in bringing their stories to the screen.

I look forward to sharing these films with you over the coming years and I encourage any aspiring filmmakers here to apply for the next round of funding which opens in TBC. All of this has become a reality due to our country’s visionary leadership and the combined efforts of individuals and organisations committed to supporting the creative development of our community, and promoting Qatar on the world stage. And for this I would like to acknowledge and thank the Chairperson of the Doha Film Institute, whose vision and passion have made an immense contribution to film culture in Qatar, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani.

Please now welcome back Latifa Al-Darwish and Mohamed Sherif for a special presentation about the history of cinema in Qatar.

- Presentation -

Thank you Latifa Al-Darwish and Mohamed Sherif.

I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the many people from the local filmmaking community – many who are here with us tonight and to those who could not be here - who have contributed to the growth of our cinematic landscape. These are the people who are spear-heading the development of our industry and paving the way for new generations to follow in their footsteps. The film you are about to see is the first feature film ever made in Qatar. Clockwise, by Khalifa Al Muraikhi was released five years ago and was made with the support of Qatar’s Ministry of Culture.

We are very honoured to have one of the leading actors of the film here with us tonight so before we start the screening, I would like to welcome him to say a few words/ Please welcome, Ali Mirza:

The inaugural ‘Focus on Qatar’ showcase, presented by the Doha Film Institute, recorded a strong response from the Qatari community and the film industry.

The three-day event, held from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 at the Museum of Islamic Art, included film screenings that put the spotlight on home-grown talent and celebrated the filmmakers who have made an impact on Qatar’s film scene over the past five years. The event also included industry panels that brought together Qatari filmmakers and local industry professionals who discussed the opportunities and channels to market and distribute their films and take them to a wider audience.

Fatma Al Remaihi, Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute, said: “We are delighted by the positive support and encouragement from the Qatari community to the inaugural ‘Focus on Qatar’ initiative. Our goal was to showcase the talents of local filmmakers and to encourage them in addition to promoting their films to wider audience. “The panel discussions were also aimed at strengthening their understanding of the film industry and to support them to take their films to newer markets. We are committed to building a strong and sustainable cinema industry in Qatar and such initiatives play a key role in highlighting the accomplishments of our talents and providing them more platforms to interact with the industry experts.”

The showcase included a special screening of Qatar’s first feature-length film Clockwise (Qatar, 2010) by Khalifa Al-Muraikhi; short film screenings as part of the ‘Next Generation Short Film Programme’ and ‘Innovation Films Showcase’. The two-day Industry Programme on October 1 and 2 brought together Qatari filmmakers and local industry professionals for two specially curated events. The first, ‘Meet the Production Houses,’ was attended by expert representatives of Innovation Films, Adabisc, Resolution Productions, Cartoon and Ginger Camel, who discussed their scope of work and the platforms available for Qatari talent to take their works to the next level.

The second industry session on ‘How to Distribute Your Film’ was addressed by Fatima Al Remaihi, CEO of the Doha Film Institute; Sheik Abdul Aziz Bin Thani Al Thani, General Manager of Qatar TV;  Khalid Hassan Al Remaihi, General Manager of Entube;  and Selim El Azar, CEO of Gulf Film. Fatma Al Remaihisaid in the panel: “We are providing established and emerging filmmakers an important platform to showcase their films with the ‘Made in Qatar’ films receiving tremendous appreciation from the audience.”

She added: “It is important for filmmakers to have a robust distribution strategy, including the creation of a compelling trailer, and to allocate a set budget for it. At the Doha Film Institute, we assist filmmakers in developing a clear distribution strategy and support them to showcase their films at our festivals ad events. We also assist in showcasing their films globally at international film festivals. This gives them the opportunity to market their films and promote them to wider audience.”

Abdul Aziz Bin Thani Al Thani said: “Qatar TV is ready to show all productions that meet our values and requirements. We encourage local productions and cover events and activities that highlight local cinema with the goal of introducing them to a wider audience. Qatar TV is a key part in the distribution network and what is important is that filmmakers must ensure that their works are well-scripted and produced.” Khalid Al Remaihi said: “Entube is a new initiative of the Ministry of Youth and Sports that fosters creativity and knowledge in digital and social media among Qatar’s youth. We focus on self-publishing tools and social media, and support youth in marketing and distributing their films over social media channels to reach more people.”

Salim El Azar said: “The production quality and script are crucial aspects in making a good film that will attract distribution companies. The trailer also plays an important role in introducing the film to the people. This preparation has to start early during the production phase to attract viewers to factors such as the actor, director, story or location of the movie.” Focus on Qatar is now an annual event presented by the Doha Film Institute to serve as a platform to nurture new talent and promote discussion on the various challenges and opportunities in the film industry. 

The Doha Film Institute is hosting a special programme of films and master classes that explore the representation of spaceships in cinema.

Since the early days of cinema, spacecraft have regularly featured in films of all genres. The Doha Film Institute’s screening programme from October 15 to 17 at Katara Drama Theatre will showcase a selection of films depicting spacecraft including Stanley Kubrick’s epic ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’, Yakov Protazanov’s ‘Aelita: Queen of Mars’, a Director’s Cut of Ridley Scott’s sophomore feature ‘Alien’, Andrei Tarkovsky’s ‘Solaris’ and ‘Star Trek: The Motion Picture’ by Robert Wise.

Since the 1960s, major science fiction films have succeeded in pulling in large audience shares, and films of this genre have become a regular staple of the global film industry. Science fiction films have led the way in special effects technology and have been the medium of choice for playing out futuristic fantasies. To discuss the history of the genre and its increasing prominence, the programme will include a two-part master class with industry professional Richard Pena, Professor of Film Studies at Columbia University from 2pm – 5pm on the 16^th and 17th October 2015 at the Katara Drama Theatre.

The master classes will offer a survey of science fiction in cinema, its evolution over the years and its relevance in today’s world with the advancements in modern technology. The first part will focus on the history of the genre while the second part will explore science fiction in contemporary cinema. Each master class will be illustrated with clips from a wide range of films. One of the most important and beloved science fiction films ever made, Stanley Kubrick’s ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ (UK,USA/1968) covers a wide range of the genre’s themes: space travel, the baseness of humanity, the failings of a utopian feature, artificial intelligence and extraterrestrial life among others.

Heavily criticized by Soviet authorities at the time of its release Yakov Protazanov’s ‘Aelita: Queen of Mars’ (USSR/1924) explores human relationships with its complex take on politics, its stripped down sense of science fiction and its stunning constructivist set design. Ridley Scott’s ‘Alien (Director’s Cut)’ (USA, UK/2003), a hit with critics and a world-wide box office success strikes the right balance of horror and sci-fi. The film won an Oscar for Best Visual Effects and spawned three sequels, the recent prequel ‘Prometheus’ and an upcoming sixth addition to the franchise.

‘Solaris’ (USSR/1972) by Andrei Tarkovsky is a brilliant and moving treatise on the difficulty of communication, not only between sentient beings of different species but among all of humanity. Widely considered to be among the greatest films in the history of cinema, ‘Solaris’ tells the story of a group of cosmonaut scientists whose mission is to examine a remote and sentient planet. Robert Wise’s ‘Star Trek: The Motion Picture’ (USA/1979) is one of the most exciting moments in the history of motion pictures for the legions of fans of the beloved USS Enterprise. The colossal ‘Star Trek’ franchise includes several film and TV series. The franchise has long been celebrated for its humanistic and hopeful look forward to a more ethical and compassionate future for our species.

For more details, please visit: www.dohafilminstitute.com

The third annual Ajyal Youth Film Festival, presented by the Doha Film Institute, will open on November 29 with the Middle East Premiere of The Idol, from Academy Award-nominated Palestinian filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad.

Raising the curtain on the Doha Film Institute’s annual celebration of film, The Idol tells the inspirational true story of Mohammad Assaf, an amateur singer from Gaza, who became a worldwide sensation after winning the live-singing competition Arab Idol in 2013. The film enjoyed a successful world premiere at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival in September and is screening this week at the 59^th BFI London Film Festival.

Other Middle East premieres announced today include this year’s Berlin Film Festival Golden Bear-winner, Jafar Panahi’s Taxi, in which the celebrated Iranian director himself drives a cab around Tehran, picking up passengers to great comedic and dramatic effect; and 2015 Cannes ‘Un Certain Regard’ opener An, by Japanese director Naomi Kawase, a gentle tale about a sad cook’s professional relationship with an elderly woman who teaches him to commune with nature.

Other films from celebrated filmmakers included in the selection are Tigers, a hard-hitting look at the nefarious practices of multinational corporations in the developing world from Academy Award-winning Bosnian director Danis Tanović, and Mia Madre, a drama about a film director’s relationship with her ailing mother by Cannes Palme d’Or winner, Italian director Nanni Moretti. Ajyal 2015 marks the Qatar premiere for Tigers, by director, Tanović, who was one of the five Masters at the inaugural edition of Qumra in March, the Doha Film Institute’s newly inaugurated industry event for emerging filmmakers. Mia Madre will have its Gulf premiere at Ajyal, following its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival this year, where it won the Ecumenical Jury Prize.

Also joining the line up is Very Big Shot, from Lebanese first-time feature director and Doha Film Institute grantee Mir-Jean Bou Chaaya. Very Big Shot, a dark comedy that takes a sly look at organised crime and political corruption, premiered at TIFF 2015 and is screening in competition at the 59^th BFI London Film Festival this week. Its screening at Ajyal will be the regional premiere of the film outside of its home territory, Lebanon.

Fatma Al Remaihi, CEO of Doha Film Institute, said: “Hany Abu-Assad’s The Idol, the powerful true story of a young boy overcoming staggering odds to realise his dream, is an ideal opening for this year’s edition of the Ajyal Youth Film Festival. As a co-financer of the film, we are delighted to bring home the story that originally touched the region, and indeed the world, in 2013. We are also honored to present Doha Film Institute grantee Mir-Jean Bou Chaaya’s outstanding debut feature Very Big Shot, a film that embodies our commitment to supporting emerging talent from the region.”

“We believe this third edition of the Ajyal Youth Film Festival is set to be our strongest yet, as the Festival’s reputation continues to grow each year. The range of works from internationally renowned auteurs already confirmed will provide a truly memorable experience for our audiences and young jurors.” Ajyal, meaning ‘generations’ in Arabic, invites people of all ages to come together to discuss cinema through events that inspire creative interaction, opening up a fun, collaborative environment where young people can express themselves. Driven with the goal to inspire and create, Ajyal has been designed to empower the region’s youth and to inspire film enthusiasts of all ages in Qatar and the region.

The third annual Ajyal Youth Film Festival will take place from Nov 29 – Dec 5 at Katara Cultural Village. The programme consists of daily public screenings of local and international films; the popular ‘Made in Qatar’ section dedicated to showcasing home-grown talent from Qatar; Cinema Under the Stars; family weekend; special events and exhibitions; the Sandbox interactive digital playground; school screenings; and Ajyal’s youth jury, where hundreds of young people between the ages of 8 and 21 will watch and discuss shorts and features and decide on the winning films.

The full line-up and schedule for the Ajyal Youth Film Festival 2015 will be announced in early November. For more details, please visit www.dohafilminstitute.com

As the countdown to the third edition of the Ajyal Youth Film Festival begins, Doha Film Institute is seeking over 500 volunteers to get involved and contribute to the smooth running of the event that will welcome thousands of Doha cinema lovers along with regional and international film industry guests.

During the week-long event, from 29 November to 5 December, volunteers will be on hand to support different Festival events and venues located within the Cultural Village Foundation - Katara, and help with all aspects of the Festival’s operations.  Over 400 volunteers lent their support to Ajyal 2014 working with a variety of Festival departments including theatre operations, the Ajyal Jury, red carpet assistance, transportation, marketing, guest registration, accreditation, guest relations, hospitality, and the industry department, among others.

Volunteers will be exposed to the inner workings of a major cultural event, interact with Festival guests and jurors of many nationalities, gain industry experience, and receive a participation certificate to demonstrate their involvement. Interested candidates aged 18 and above can register on the Doha Film Institute website from 14th October at www.dohafilminstitute.com/filmfestival/volunteer

Fatma Al Remaihi CEO of Doha Film Institute said: “In the previous two years, our volunteers have played a leading role in the success of the Ajyal Youth Film Festival. This event provides community members with a unique opportunity to make new friends, interact with film industry experts and gain rich insights into the functioning of an international cultural event. We have been fortunate to have such an enthusiastic team of volunteers who have contributed every step of the way, and we once again welcome their involvement for our next edition.”

The third edition of the Festival will present daily public screenings of local and international films; special events and exhibitions; the Sandbox, an interactive digital playground; school screenings; Family Weekend; and the Ajyal Competition, comprised of hundreds of young jurors between the ages of 8 and 21 who watch and discuss shorts and features, and decide on Ajyal’s winning films.

The Ajyal Youth Film Festival builds on the Doha Film Institute's history of community-based programming. Ajyal, meaning ‘generations’ in Arabic, invites people of all ages to come together to discuss cinema through events that inspire creative interaction, opening up a fun, collaborative environment where young people can express themselves. Driven with the goal to inspire and create, Ajyal has been designed to empower the region’s youth and to inspire film enthusiasts of all ages in Qatar and the region. 

The Doha Film Institute is organizing a special screening series in Aspire Park to celebrate the 30th year anniversary of the launch of the immensely popular ‘Back to the Future’ trilogy.

The open air free screenings, part of the ‘Cinema Under the Stars’ program, pays a special tribute to the worldwide phenomenon of one the most inventive and wildly entertaining film trilogies in Hollywood history. The highest grossing film of 1985, ‘Back to the Future’ launched one of the most successful franchise’s in Universal’s history, including two theatrical sequels, an animated television series, a theme park ride, toys, comic books, video games and apparel.

In Aspire Park, the Doha Film Institute will showcase all three films starting 21 October with the screening of the original ground breaking adventure ‘Back to the Future’ at 07:30 pm. The fun continues on 6th and 20th November with screenings of ‘Back to the Future’ Part II and Part III respectively from 08:00 pm onwards. Die-hard fans of the unrivaled adventure can also participate in the ‘Back to the Future’ Instagram competition to recreate their favourite moments from the blockbuster and win exciting giveaways.  

Starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, and executive produced by Steven Spielberg, the universally popular original directed by Robert Zemeckis literally changed the future of the adventure movie genre. Powered with innovative special effects, unforgettable songs and non-stop action, the franchise follows the adventures of a high school student, Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox), and an eccentric scientist, Dr. Emmett L. Brown (Christopher Lloyd), as they use a DeLorean time machine to time travel to different periods in the history of Hill Valley, California.

For more details, please visit: www.dohafilminstitute.com

the Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture continues to build on a legacy of connecting people through cultural exchange as part of the Qatar National Vision 2030. Held under the patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, Qatar Turkey 2015 is the fourth consecutive Year of Culture, organized by Qatar Museums, following Qatar Brazil 2014, Qatar UK 2013 and Qatar Japan 2012.

Presented by Qatar Museums, a colourful slice of Turkey comes to Qatar for a weekend of events presented at the MIA Park from 28-31 October 2014. Turkish Festival and Bazaar is part of Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture, launching on the 28th at the Museum of Islamic Art Park in Doha, further cementing cultural relations between the two nations. Highlights of the festival will include traditional Turkish music and folk dance, a Mehteran Ottoman Military Band, a spectacular outdoor photography exhibition, a Turkish tea house, a ‘cinema under the stars’ provided by Doha Film Institute, shadow puppet theatre workshops, children’s play-area, family arts and craft workshops, and delicious food and beverages supplied by authentic Turkish restaurants.

ExxonMobil Qatar and Qatar Museums share a long-term relationship based on mutual respect and understanding. The company is proudly supporting Qatar Turkey Year of Culture as its Platinum Sponsor as an important initiative, which will fundamentally lead to a deeper international understanding of Qatar and its rich culture, and highlight it as a world-class center for business and cultural activities. Qatar- Turkey 2015 year of culture is also supported by Qatar Airways as official Airline, and W- Hotel as hospitality Sponsor.

Entertainment and Food

Turkish Festival will offer a rare opportunity to hear street music with davul, zurna, baglama and ney players. Turkish cuisine will be available, which will include high level Hotels restaurants as well as locally based Turkish Restaurants. Ice cream coffee and teas stalls will offer mouthwatering delights for everyone.

Photography Exhibitions

The New Angles; New Perspectives exhibition will be held, in an unusual format which will depict the cross-country representations of the works of Qatari photographers from their cultural exchange trips.

Bazaar

Enjoying Turkey would not be complete without a visit to the bazaar. In the festival bazaar, you’ll be able to splurge on carpets, needle lace artwork, mosaic glass lamps, ceramics, coper and iron works.

Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture

Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture is held under the patronage of Qatar Museums’ (QM) Chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, in partnership with Qatar’s Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Turkey.

This Year of Culture is dedicated to connecting people in the State of Qatar and the Republic of Turkey through exploring the contemporary and traditional cultures of both countries, through innovative cultural exchange activities, exhibitions, festivals and educational programmes. These activities will showcase the unique aspects of each nation and will allow for citizens and institutions in both countries to create long lasting partnerships.

ExxonMobil is the Platinum Sponsor of the Year of Culture, while Qatar Airways is the Official Airline and W Doha Hotel & Residences the Hospitality Sponsor. It is the fourth consecutive Year of Culture launched by QM, following the successes of Qatar Japan 2012, Qatar UK 2013 and Qatar Brazil 2014.