Continuing the international recognition gained by films supported by the Doha Film Institute, eight films have been selected to screen at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) to be held from September 8 to 18. Seven grant recipients along with The Salesman, will screen in key programming strands at the Festival’s 41st edition.   

Further, as part of the Institute’s commitment to promoting filmmaking talents in Qatar and offering them platforms to strengthen their understanding of global cinema and foster international networking, the Doha Film Institute will host two Qatari filmmakers - Hafiz Ali Abdulla and MeriemMesraoua– at TIFF who will participate in a series of targeted workshops, networking events and industry meetings.

Fatma Al Remaihi, Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute, said: “The significant showcase of eight films supported by the Doha Film Institute at TIFF 2016 is a matter of great pride for us.  It underlines the quality of our selection process that supports new and established voices, from the Arab world and beyond. “TIFF offers filmmakers a remarkable opportunity to reach a global audience of film lovers. The selection of two films from our region that will make their World Premiere at this esteemed event is a further testament to the evolution and appreciation of Arab cinema. We will continue to support stories that deserve to be told and celebrate the creative talent who are creating compelling content.”

Two grant recipients mark their World Premiere at TIFF: Blessed Benefit (Jordan, Netherlands, Germany, UAE, Qatar/2016) by Mahmoud Al Massad; and Off Frame AKA Revolution Until Victory (Palestine, France, Qatar/2016) by MohanadYaqubi. In another significant first, By the Time it Gets Dark (Thailand, Netherlands, France, Qatar/2016), directed by AnochaSuwichakornpong, has been chosen in the Wavelengths programme at TIFF, which celebrates daring, visionary and autonomous voices that expand the notions of cinema. The film had its World Premiere at Locarno. Also at TIFF is another DFI Grantee, White Sun (Nepal, Netherlands, USA, Qatar/2016) by Deepak Rauniyar, a TIFF Talent Lab alumnus.

Closely following their success at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, where they premiered, four films supported by the Doha Film Institute have made their cut at TIFF too. This includes The Salesman, written and directed by AsgharFarhadi which won top honours at Cannes including the Best Screenplay and Best Actor awards in the official competition section. The Salesman is produced by Memento Films Production and AsgharFarhadi Production and co-produced by Arte France Cinema in association with Memento Films Distribution and the Doha Film Institute.

The other films supported by the Doha Film Institute, which were screened at Cannes this year and are making their North American debut include: Apprentice (Singapore, Germany, France, Hong Kong, Qatar/2016), directed by Junfeng Boo; Mimosas (Spain, Morocco, France, Qatar/2016) directed by Oliver Laxe, winner of the 2016 Nespresso Grand Prize awarded by the Jury of the Cannes Critics Week, and Divines (Morocco, France, Qatar/2016), the debut feature by HoudaBenyamina that scooped the coveted Camera d’Or prize at Cannes this year along with a special mention from SACD for debut film in the Directors Fortnight section.

Additionally, five films supported by Doha Film Institute are also being screened at the ongoing 73rd Venice Film Festival and include; White Sun (Nepal, Netherlands, USA, Qatar/2016) by Deepak Rauniyar screening in the Orizzonti section and The Last of Us (Tunisia, UAE, Lebanon, Qatar / 2016) by Ala Eddine Slim, selected to screen in the International Critics Week segment. The other three grantee projects; Poisonous Roses (Egypt, France, Qatar / 2016) by FawziSaleh, One of These Days (Lebanon, Qatar/2017) by NadimTabet and Ghost Hunting (Palestine, France, Switzerland, Qatar/2016) by RaedAndoni have been selected to screen as work in progress at the Final Cut in Venice.

The selection at TIFF follows the impressive win by Doha Film Institute supported films gaining top acclaim at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival and Sarajevo Film Festival. At Sarajevo, 15 films supported by the Doha Film Institute, including several films ‘Made in Qatar’ by local talents were screened in August this year.

Synopsis of DFI Supported Films at TIFF 2016:

• The Salesman by Asghar Farhadi: Forced out of their apartment due to dangerous works on a neighboring building, a young couple Emad and Rana move into a new flat in the center of Tehran. An incident linked to the previous tenant will dramatically change the young couple’s life. The Salesman stars Shahab Hosseini (A Separation) and Taraneh Alidoosti (About Elly).
• Apprentice by Junfeng Boo is the story of Aiman, a 28-year-old Malay correctional officer, who lives with his older sister Suhaila in a modest housing estate. When he is transferred to the region’s top prison, he soon takes an interest in a 65-year-old sergeant named Rahim, the prison’s long-serving chief executioner. As Aiman’s friendship with Rahim grows closer, however, his rapport with his sister deteriorates.
• Blessed Benefit by Mahmoud Al Massad is a dark comedy about Ahmad, a construction worker, who gets tangled up in an unfortunate business deal that lands him in prison. He meets Ibrahim, a fraudster who ruins his last hope of proving his innocence. Ahmad is awakened by the realisation that the life he has in prison might be better than the one he has on the outside.
• White Sun by Deepak Rauniyar narrates the story of Pooja, who lives with her grandfather. Her father Agni had joined the Maoist guerillas and left their village. The death of her grandfather brings Agni back to the village where he must look for help among police, rebel guerillas and neighbouring villagers for the burial rites, in turn presenting a portrait of post-conflict Nepal.
• By the Time It Gets Dark by Anocha Suwichakornpong tells the interwoven stories of several characters: a film director and her muse; a waitress who keeps changing jobs; an actor; and an actress. The narrative sheds its skin several times over the course of the film, to reveal layer upon layer of the complexities that make up our lives.
• Off FrameAKA Revolution Until Victory by Mohanad Yaqubi narrates the story of Palestinian revolutionary cinema by following the life of the Palestine Film Unit, a film group that was established in 1968 and that developed with the revolution until the Israeli invasion of Beirut in 1982.
• Mimosas by Oliver Laxe is a mountain odyssey with mystical elements that follows a caravan through the Moroccan Atlas escorting a sheikh to be buried near his loved ones, but the quest takes a turn when the elderly and ailing sheikh dies en route.
• Divines the debut feature from Houda Benyamina is a funny, often suspenseful and always emotionally involving drama about a tough but naïve teenager, Dounia, who sees getting rich or dying trying as her most viable option. Her slightly more cautious friend Maimouna is less immediately willing to embrace thug life, but easily swept along for the ride.

Stenden University Qatar organised orientation for newly admitted students last week. Newcomers benefited from a number of orientation sessions and activities which were designed to help them adapt to the new academic environment and social environment. Both Bedaya Center and Doha Film Institute participated in the event and shared their services with the new cohort.

Students got the chance to have a campus tour, meet lecturers, and learn more about different student services on campus. They attended various workshops on study skills and usage of the facilities. A number of presentations from the Student Representative Council, the Alumni Association, and from different faculty members were delivered. The orientation programme also offered many entertainment activities and games planned by the Student Representative Council. The orientation was a rich experience for both new and existing students who participated in the event.

Stenden University Qatar was established in the year 2000 by Al Faisal Holding and Stenden University in the Netherlands. This year the university celebrated its 15-year anniversary and so far more than 650 graduates have graduated from Stenden in Qatar. The university offers three different Dutch accredited Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Programmes in International Business and Management Studies, International Tourism Management and International Hospitality Management. All programmes are recognized by Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education. Stenden University also has campuses in the Netherlands, Bali, South Africa, and Thailand. 

For more information, please contact: Ms. GhizlaneGacim, Marketing Manager, Stenden University Qatar. Phone +974 4488 8116, Fax +974 4488 8136, Email GGacim@stenden.edu.qa.

#DariQatar, the path-breaking initiative that presents the opportunity for the Qatari public to narrate their stories with short videos of life in the country, has received overwhelming response, according to the initiative’s pioneers Doha Film Institute and Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA).

Hundreds of short videos documenting life in Qatar, covering any aspect from work, play, family and life are being received by Doha Film Institute as part of the year-long campaign. From individual projects to those undertaken with the support of friends and family, participation in #DariQatar - which means ‘My Home Qatar’ in Arabic - is also a fun affair that has added to its popularity. Told entirely by the nation’s public, #DariQatar reveals their hopes, loves, fears, dreams and realities of the country’s residents. With the submission deadline fast-approaching, Doha Film Institute is urging the public to take part in the historic initiative and not miss the chance. 

Fatma Al Remaihi, CEO of Doha Film Institute, said: “We are delighted by the tremendous response we have received for #DariQatar, a tribute to our nation and our leadership. People from all walks of life, Qatari nationals and residents, are contributing to creating this fascinating documentary that will be a true celebration of life in Qatar. “With #DariQatar, every member of the community can tell their stories and what makes our nation dear to them. From simple, everyday moments to thoughtfully designed videos, the diversity of the submissions makes it truly endearing. As submission closes soon, we urge every resident of Qatar to take part in this unique initiative, demonstrate their love for the nation by contributing short videos and be part of this truly historic initiative.”

#DariQatar submissions that Doha Film Institute have received range from footage of everyday moments of life in Qatar to extraordinary showcases of the country that are shot evocatively. The effort that the people have put into the project makes it a compelling showcase of the nation, as seen and experienced by a large cross-section of people. There are fascinating vignettes of the country’s rich cultural heritage and traditions, touristic attractions, modern architectural marvels and more. Doha Film Institute is commissioning a panel of professionals and filmmakers to develop a storyline from the entire footage. The final cut of Dari Qatar will premiere in late 2016.

Doha Film Institute encourages people to depict the stories under six broad themes: Joy, beauty, adventure, nature, tranquility and determination. Each of these themes offers participants to depict life in Qatar in all vividness and diversity – as they see it – making every video a personal story. Participation in #DariQatar is simple. Anyone can become a #DariQatar filmmaker by shooting videos of life in the country using any equipment – be it a tablet, phone or camera – in a horizontal/landscape format. The imagination is the only limit. These short videos can also be shared on social media.

Everyone can post their films online at http://dohafilminstitute.com/pages/dariqatar. #DariQatar is presented by Doha Film Institute and Qatar Tourism Authority with the support of Platinum Partners: Occidental Petroleum Corporation and United Development Company, the developer of The Pearl Qatar. For more details, log on to: www.dohafilminstitute.com

The global advertising market is undergoing fundamental changes due to changing dynamics and the increased use of digital media. And a recent study by Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) reports that that transition is also causing a slow expansion of ad revenue in the MENA region.

The study, Media Industries in the Middle East, 2016 , which was conducted by NU-Q in cooperation with the Doha Film Institute (DFI), reports that over the past five years, the industry has shown a weak but stable growth in the MENA region. In 2015, the total ad market in the region was worth an estimated $5.5 billion (USD) in net advertising revenues. Northwestern University has conducted research related to the increasingly complex media landscape in the Middle East over the past several years.

”Disruption across the media industries largely driven by new, digital developments and the displacement of traditional media outlets, is the nature of advertising revenue globally and in the region,” said Everette E. Dennis, dean and CEO of Northwestern University in Qatar. “This report provides decision-makers with insights, based on hard data, that suggest how technological developments have – and will – influence the trajectory of media related industries, including advertising.”

The report found that digital still represents only 10 percent of ad spend, compared to 30–35 percent spend on print. Collectively, MENA countries trail other regions in innovation and adoption of new technologies (e.g., limited digital measurement, programmatic buying, and non-advertising forms of marketing). As a result, many of the opportunities of digital advertising have yet to be realized, despite high levels of digital consumption in the region. Several key dynamics are changing the industry, such as the convergence of advertising platforms (traditional vs. digital) and services (strategy-only vs. execution). The market structure of advertising buyers and agencies in MENA is highly fragmented, with the strong presence and influence of international players. 

A number of acquisitions are taking place, mainly by international players seeking to break into or expand their presence in the region. Ilhem Allagui, associate professor at NU-Q noted that the transition from traditional to digital is having an impact on the region. “Understanding how agencies buy media today is not simple. It is certainly not as simple as it was before the rise of digital advertising.  Agencies have challenges when considering media choices, as measurement is increasingly difficult to trust,” said Allagui. “The Arab Region is no exception.”

Doha Film Institute today announced its first line-up of six films, including the closing night gala, selected to the fourth Ajyal Youth Film Festival to be held from November 30 to December 5, in Doha, Qatar.

The selection celebrates excellence in world cinema today and includes films from acclaimed filmmakers such as Ken Loach, Gianfranco Rosi, Asghar Farhadi, Taika Waititi, Michaël Dudok de Wit and newcomer Babak Anvari, who are some of the most powerful voices within the international film community.

Fatma Al Remaihi said: “We are delighted to announce the first selection of films that will screen at Ajyal Youth Film Festival this year, featuring a diverse and captivating showcase of award-winning feature films and documentaries including four Middle East premieres. The six films present a wonderful showcase of how today’s filmmakers use the medium to present stories that touch a chord within you. The emotional context of these movies is intense while their visual aesthetics present new perspectives for emerging filmmakers.

“Each of the six films that arrive in Doha has made its mark for their impactful content, cinematic treatment and compelling narrative, and have won critical acclaim. They will provide extraordinary insights on global cinema for our young jurors and audiences in Doha.”

Described as a ‘wordless wonder’ and a touching cinematic ode to the cycle of life, acclaimed Dutch-British animator Michaël Dudok de Wit’s The Red Turtle (La Tortue rouge [France, Belgium, Japan, 2016] will be the closing gala of this year’s Ajyal Youth Film Festival, marking the film’s MENA premiere. The Red Turtle, a visual poetry in cinema, narrates the story of a man who tries to escape from a deserted island and must battle a giant turtle. It premiered in the Un Certain Regard section of the 2016 Cannes Film Festival and won the Special Jury Prize.

Also making a beeline for Doha following critical acclaim at international film festivals is I, Daniel Blake (UK, France, Belgium/English/2016), the winner of the Palme d'Or at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, and the Audience Award at the Locarno International Film festival. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ken Loach, the film is about the life of a middle aged carpenter who applies for state welfare, which gets entangled in red tape. He meets a single mother with two children who are facing a similar predicament.

It stars English stand-up comedian, writer and actor Dave Johns in the title role. The film will screen at Ajyal in the competition section in the Bader segment.

Not to miss is Fire at Sea (Fuocoammare) [Italy, Italian, 2016] directed by Gianfranco Rosi, the winner of the Golden Bear at the 66^th Berlin International Film Festival and Italy’s official submission to the 2017 Academy Awards. Set in the island of Lampedusa, a frontline in the migrant crisis, the compelling documentary charts the risky Mediterranean crossing of ‘refugees’ against the background of the ordinary life of the islanders. In his acceptance speech, Rosi had said: “It is not acceptable that people die crossing the sea to escape from tragedies.’ The film will screen in Ajyal Competition in the Bader segment.

Iran’s official entry to the 2017 Academy Awards, and winner of the Best Screenplay and Best Actor Awards in the official competition section at Cannes 2016, Asghar Farhadi’s The Salesman will make its MENA debut at Ajyal 2016. The Salesman is produced by Memento Films Production and Asghar Farhadi Production and co-produced by Arte France Cinema in association with Memento Films Distribution and the Doha Film Institute. Forced out of their apartment due to dangerous works on a neighboring building, a young couple Emad and Rana move into a new flat in the center of Tehran. An incident linked to the previous tenant will dramatically change the young couple’s life. The Salesman stars Shahab Hosseini (A Separation) and Taraneh Alidoosti (About Elly).

Screening in the Mohaq competition section at Ajyal is Hunt for the Wilderpeople (New Zealand/English/2016) directed by Taika Waititi. The film has won eight international honours already including the Audience Award at Edinburgh International Film festival, and was a sensation at the 2016 Sundance Film festival, where it premiered. Based on a book by Barry Crump, the film stars Sam Neill (Omen III, The Piano) and Julian Dennison, and charts the story of a rebellious young city kid who is sent to live with his foster parents; the two go missing in the wild New Zealand bush leading to a national manhunt.

Under the Shadow (USA/English/2016), a thriller by Babak Anvari, screens at Ajyal by marking the opening of the festival’s first Midnight Screening. A DFI grantee project, the film is about a mother and daughter who struggle to cope with the terrors of the post-revolution, war-Tron Tehran of the 1980s. Adding to their woes, a mysterious evil begins to haunt their home. The film stars Narges Rashidi and Avin Manshadi, and has won international film festival awards for best film and best actress and is the United Kingdom’s official entry to the 2017 Oscars.

The 2016 Ajyal Youth Film Festival bridges gaps and brings generations together (‘ajyal’ is Arabic for ‘generations’) through activities and events designed to inspire creative interaction among the various sectors of the regional community. The festival also includes the Ajyal Competition with entries in the Mohaq (New Moon), Hilal (Crescent), and Bader (Full Moon) segments evaluated by young Ajyal jurors aged 8 to 21 years. Applications for Ajyal Competition are now closed.

Ajyal Youth Film Festival also features the Bariq (Sparkle) programme for jurors-in-training, aged 4 to 7 and their families, Special Screenings, Thematic Tributes, Cinema Under the Stars, and the Creativity Hub.

Doha Film Institute is celebrating local filmmaking talent with a spotlight on the art of documentary at this year’s ‘Focus on Qatar’ to be held from October 5 to 7 at the Museum of Islamic Art.

A special showcase that highlights the vision and talent of Qatari filmmakers, ‘Focus on Qatar’ puts the spotlight on homegrown talents that have contributed to the growth of film culture in Qatar. This year’s event will not only screen compelling documentaries by local filmmakers but also foster insightful discussion on the art and future of documentary filmmaking, and includes a dedicated section that pays tribute to Al Jazeera Documentary channels contribution to promoting the craft of documentary filmmaking in the region.

Fatma Al Remaihi, Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute, said: “Focus on Qatar is a celebration of filmmaking in Qatar, and highlights the achievements of our talented film community. The event presents the evolution that Qatar has seen in shaping a vibrant local film industry, and is inspired by the filmmakers whose work we aim to nurture through this initiative. “This year’s event shines the spotlight on documentary filmmaking, a compelling art form that has the power to inspire and provoke, and change our view of the world. ‘Focus on Qatar 2016’ highlights the remarkable strides our filmmakers have made in this medium of cinematic expression, that has gained significant popularity among Qatari filmmakers to address relevant and important issues and act as a catalyst for change.”  

‘Focus on Qatar’ 2016 will flag off on October 5, 7.30 PM, with the screening of a collection of noteworthy short documentaries that Qatar has produced in the past years, either through the Institute’s training programmes or by independent directors or by students of Northwestern University in Qatar. Audiences will have the opportunity to interact with filmmakers after the screenings.

The documentaries to be screened include: Bader (Qatar, USA, Syria/2012) directed by Sara Al-Saadi, Maaria Assami and Latifa Al-Darwish; Al 7amal (Qatar/2015) by Amal Al Muftah; The Palm Tree (Qatar/2015) by Jassim Al-Rumaihi, which won the ‘Made in Qatar’ award for best documentary at Ajyal Youth Film Festival 2015; Inside Out (Qatar/2015) by Fahad Al-Obaidly and Salwa Al Khalifa; To My Mother (Qatar/2015) by Amina Ahmed Al Bloshi; The Notebook (Qatar/2015) by Amna Al-Binali; and Mubarak Al Malik (Qatar/2016) by Aisha R. Al Muhannadi.

Celebrating the contribution of the team at Al-Jazeera Documentary Channel in driving the documentary landscape in the region, on Oct. 6, ‘Focus on Qatar’ will have a special ‘Al-Jazeera Documentary Network Showcase’ at 7.30 PM. It will present a special screening of the channels acclaimed feature documentary, Cities of Anxiety by Mohamed Hashem, which examines the intrinsic role cities play in defining the soul of its inhabitants in times of change and uncertainty, focusing on key cities of Beirut, Baghdad and Cairo.  

The final day of ‘Focus on Qatar’ on Oct 7 will be dedicated to the industry with two panel discussions and an informal reception for production companies. The first panel on ‘The State of Documentary in the Gulf’ at 4 PM will discuss funding opportunities, theatrical release, film festivals, television, online portals and other new broadcast platforms to help independent Gulf filmmakers. The discussion will also explore if the current state of documentary filmmaking is evolving or not within the Gulf region and includes panelists Mohammed Soueid from MBC, Jamel Dallai from Al Jazeera Documentary Channel, Filmmaker Hafiz Ali Ali and DFI CEO Fatma Al Remaihi.

The second discussion at 7.30 PM on ‘Next Generation of Documentary Filmmakers’ is an open forum for local talent to discuss their experiences throughout the filmmaking process including writing, directing and editing their films. It will highlight the various opportunities available to filmmakers in Qatar including the Doha Film Institute workshops, grants and the Qatar Film Fund, which promotes local filmmaking in Qatar. The Production company reception highlights the support extended by local production houses and introduces the filmmakers, talent and film enthusiasts to key production companies and skilled professionals based in Qatar to encourage future collaborations.

All events and screenings are free for the public. For more details, please visit www.dohafilminstitute.com

Doha Film Institute concluded the second edition of ‘Focus on Qatar’ that was held from October 5 to 7 at the Museum of Islamic Art, which celebrated local filmmaking talent on the art of documentary. The special showcase of documentaries put the spotlight on homegrown talents that have contributed to the growth of film culture in Qatar.

The final day of the program was dedicated to the industry with two panel discussions. The first panel on ‘The State of Documentary in the Gulf’ included panelists Nujoom Alghanem, Emirati poet, scriptwriter and director; Jamel Dallali from Al Jazeera Documentary Channel; filmmaker Hafiz Ali Abdulla and DFI CEO Fatma Al Remaihi.

The panelists explored the current state of documentary filmmaking in the Gulf region. Fatma Al Remaihi described the role of DFI in supporting local filmmaking through year-round activities and training programs, in addition to extending financing support through the Qatari Film Fund that is dedicated to Qataris and through DFI’s Grants that is open to filmmakers from across the world. She also highlighted the Institute’s annual film events of Ajyal and Qumra, that provides local filmmakers with a platform to showcase their projects in addition to opportunities at international film festivals.

Jamel Dallali stressed on the importance of increased collaborations between creative organisations to support films from the region, so “we talk about our own stories rather than staying as consumers all the time.” He said that Al-Jazeera Documentary extends support to all documentaries not just for reporting or news based documentaries. Talking about the challenges, Nujoom Alghanem said the domination of the television industry in documentary filmmaking makes them lose their creative and aesthetic style while concentrating on reporting. “Besides, some social traditions pose challenges for the filmmakers and the discontinuation of some regional funding opportunities was also a concern to achieve sustainable growth.”

Hafiz Ali Ali said that “financing is one of the main challenges for filmmakers.” On his experience in documentary filmmaking, Ali said that he started documentary filmmaking relying on his own sources then on any government entities. He urged for more support from the relevant ministries and government entities, to build on the existing base to create a sustainable film industry.

The second discussion on ‘Next Generation of Documentary Filmmakers’ was an open forum for local talents Hamida Issa and Rawda Al-Thani, to discuss their experiences throughout the filmmaking process including writing, directing and editing their films. The filmmakers showcased trailers of their works in progress and talked about their filmmaking journey, from inspiration and ideas to execution – highlighting their approach to the craft and the challenges they face.

‘Focus on Qatar’ 2016 started on 5^th October with the screenings of documentaries by local filmmakers including: Bader (Qatar, USA, Syria/2012) directed by Sara Al-Saadi, Maaria Assami and Latifa Al-Darwish; The Palm Tree (Qatar/2015) by Jassim Al-Rumaihi, which won the ‘Made in Qatar’ award for best documentary at Ajyal Youth Film Festival 2015; Inside Out (Qatar/2015) by Fahad Al-Obaidly and Salwa Al Khalifa; To My Mother (Qatar/2015) by Amina Ahmed Al Bloshi; The Notebook (Qatar/2015) by Amna Al-Binali; and Mubarak Al Malik (Qatar/2016) by Aisha R. Al Muhannadi.

Celebrating the contribution of the team at Al-Jazeera Documentary Channel in driving the documentary landscape in the region, ‘Focus on Qatar’ had a special ‘Al-Jazeera Documentary Network Showcase.’ It presented a special screening of the acclaimed feature documentary, Cities of Anxiety by Mohamed Hashem, which examines the intrinsic role cities play in defining the soul of its inhabitants in times of change and uncertainty, focusing on key cities of Beirut, Baghdad and Cairo.

Doha Film Institute is inviting young film enthusiasts in Qatar to participate in its ‘Youth Acting Workshop’, from October 10 to November 23, 2016. The workshop is open for young people aged 8 to 17 years in two groups, and will be led by Tunisian director and actress Afef Ben Mahmoud.

Fatma Al Remaihi, Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute, said: “Our young people are at the heart of everything we do at the Doha Film Institute. From hosting a dedicated film event for youth to hosting creative workshops, we are focused on nurturing their skills. With the ‘Youth Acting Workshop,’ we are opening doors for young talents to understand the nuances of acting, and learn the art of improvisation, which will help the participants not just in their creative pursuits but also to evolve as confident individuals.”

The core of the Doha Film Institute’s ‘Youth Acting Workshop’ is to teach acting through the power of improvisation that encourages students to perform in public without a predefined text or prior direction. Improvisation will help develop creativity and listening skills, as well as make the participants conscious of the body and its movements. The first half hour of the session is dedicated to body work, relaxation and breathing. The rest of the session focuses on individual and group improvisation exercises. Under the mentorship of Afef Ben Mahmoud, the participants will be trained in two groups: 8 to 12-year-olds, and 13 to 17-year-olds. There will be two sessions every week of two-hour duration each on Monday and Wednesdays with a participation fee of QAR 1,000. The sessions for the first group will be from 3 to 5 PM and for the second group from 5 to 7 PM.

Afef Ben Mahmoud began an artistic career at the age of 12, when she joined theatre clubs and went on to win the first Best Comedian Award in Tunisia. Her television series credits include Ya Zahratan Fi Khayali, Sayd El Rim, and Maktoub, among others.  She had her first big-screen role in Jilani Saâdi’s Khorma, and played the lead in Ibrahim Letaief’s Flous Academy and Nouri Bouzid’s Making Off, which won awards at several international film festivals. She has directed three short narrative films and a documentary, and is currently developing her first feature-length film, Backstage.

Those interested in participating in the Youth Acting Workshop can email youth@dohafilminstitute.com for more details. Seats are limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. 

The Ajyal Youth Film Festival has called for 400 volunteers to be involved and contribute to the fourth edition of the annual community event, presented by the Doha Film Institute.  The Festival, taking place this year from November 30 to December 5, 2016, will provide volunteers an opportunity to go behind the scenes of the cultural event designed to inform and entertain all members of the community.

In addition to opening doors to the excitement associated with the Festival that welcomes guests from around the world, the volunteering opportunity enables participants to learn the diverse operations associated with hosting Qatar’s highlight cultural event and gain valuable professional experience. All volunteers will receive a participation certificate. Candidates aged 18 and above can register their interest for volunteering at Doha Film Institute’s website, www.dohafilminstitute.com/filmfestival/volunteer from October 10 till positions are filled.

Every year a similar number of people in Qatar volunteer their time and efforts for the festival in a strong demonstration of community spirit. They will have the opportunity to work across key Festival departments including theatre operations, the Ajyal Jury, red carpet management, transportation, marketing, guest registration and accreditation, guest relations and hospitality department, among others.

Fatma Al Remaihi, Festival Director and CEO of the Doha Film Institute, said: “The enthusiastic and committed efforts of our volunteers have played a significant role in the success of the past three editions of the festival. Working on various aspects, they ensured the seamless conduct of the festival, and are indeed our true heroes. Their self-less service is a strong demonstration of the community spirit that Ajyal fosters. We are looking forward to the participation of an enthusiastic team of volunteers this year again to put together one of the most magical events on the city’s social calendar.”

Volunteers will support Festival events to be held in Katara Cultural Village, and other Ajyal-related activities across other venues, and will serve as ambassadors of the Festival and Doha. They will gain hands-on experience on the working of an international event, interact with Festival guests and jurors, and gain industry experience at the Festival, designed to empower the region’s youth and to inspire film enthusiasts of all ages in Qatar and the region. The six-day Ajyal Youth Film Festival brings generations together (‘ajyal’ is Arabic for ‘generations’) through activities and events designed to inspire creative interaction among the various sectors of the community. A highlight is the Ajyal Competition with film entries in three segments evaluated by young jurors aged 8 to 21 years. The Festival presents daily public screenings, special presentations, Cinema Under the Stars, school screenings and Family Weekend activities. 

Doha Film Institute in collaboration with the Qatar Animation Center (QAC) has entered into a partnership with Primetime Emmy® Engineering Award winning Canadian entity Toon Boom Animation for intensive workshops on advanced animation, to support the development of the animation industry sector in Qatar.  

The partnership will provide intensive training sessions on Harmony and Storyboard Pro software for professionals within Qatar’s film and creative industries. The program includes two sessions of three workshops each that will introduce the participants, from beginner to advanced concepts, and help them create efficient and high quality assets, animations, and drawings. In addition to receiving a certificate on completion, participants also receive a one-month pre-training session software license, and consultancy services for animation film projects led by the Doha Film Institute.

Toon Boom Animation has an outstanding track-record in animation, and this is its first-of-its-kind partnership in the Arab world. Over the past two decades, it has been the go-to organisation for premiere storyboarding and animation software that have been deployed for high-profile productions by the world’s leading studios.

Fatma Al Remaihi, Chief Executive Officer of Doha Film Institute, said: “Cultural shifts among the region’s young people have spawned a tremendous creative energy, who are both driving and fulfilling demand for local content. The rise in interest in animation is a recent development that is powered by the demand for original Arabic content, a growing interest from regional television stations and an internet savvy population.  From film to advertising and social media engagement, animation offers exciting career opportunities and has the potential to evolve into something much bigger. Our partnership underlines our commitment to provide the best in knowledge & resources to the Qatari community, and to strengthen their skills in an industry that is undergoing a fascinating transformation.”

The first workshop organised by the entities as part of the agreement was held to overwhelming response from the participants. Led by Stacey Eberschlag, Consultant/Senior Animation Instructor at Toon Boom Animation Inc., the workshop is the first of its kind in the region that opens the opportunity for participants to contribute to the fast-growing animation industry sector. 

Abdulla Al Mosallam, Director of the Qatar Animation Center said, “We are excited to partner with the Doha Film Institute to host these workshops that help filmmakers explore the vast opportunities available within the animation industry sector in Qatar and the region. Organisations in the region now see animation as big business, with new animation companies and talented creatives gaining international attention for their inspirational characters and shows that focus on life and culture in the Middle East. Even though the Qatari animation industry is still in the formative stages, the interest the medium has gained from local filmmakers signals strong growth over the coming years and we are confident they will pave the way for a major presence in the global market.”

The roster of films that used Toon Boom Animation’s Harmony and Storyboard Pro software include Family Guy, The Inner World, Hannibal, and Princess & The Frog, among others.  In 2005 and 2012, it was honoured by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences with the Primetime Emmy® Engineering Award for its software's significant impact on the industry. Stacey Eberschlag added: “I am delighted with the fantastic response from the Qatari community to our training programme in partnership with the Doha Film Institute and the Qatar Animation Center. There is amazing filmmaking talent in Qatar, and their interest in understanding the nuances of animation is truly remarkable. Over the years, we have set an exceptional track-record globally in redefining the parameters of animation, and we are excited to share our knowledge and resources with the Qatari talent to help nurture the next generation of animation professionals here.”

The Intermediate Course offered by Toon Boom Animation on Harmony takes participants through paperless production, as they are introduced to advanced concepts to create highly efficient and high quality animations and drawings. The course programme covers areas such as advanced use of line art and colour art, advanced cutters and deformers, lip-sync animation, working on Storyboard Pro, and inking and painting, among others. The next workshop is planned for January 2017. The participants were enthusiastic about their experience of attending the workshop. Abdulrahman Al-Thani said: “I had a positive experience and was eager to learn about the software and how to use it to further enhance my skills. I have gained industry relevant information and I now feel confident to create unique content that resonates with pan-Arab audiences.”

Ghada Al-Suwaidi expressing her gratitude to the Institute and QAC for the opportunity, said, “The workshop gave me an understanding of how I can use the software to create compelling content in my own voice. I had the opportunity to learn about the functioning’s of the evolving animation industry and how I can contribute to its advancement in Qatar, to develop my passion into a profitable business.” Eberschlag brings over two decades of experience in the animation industry, assuming such positions as Director, Creative Director, Overseas Animation Supervisor, Animator, and Character Builder. He has worked on many critically acclaimed programs including Choose Your Own Adventure, Ron White Animated Show, Secret World of Benjamin Bear, and the Emmy® Award-winning Tutenstein. His animation work was featured in Jimmy Two-Shoes, Mischief City and Kick Buttowski, a Walt Disney series.

For more details, please log on to: www.dohafilminstitute.com

A selection of award-winning films from China and Hong Kong will be screened by the Doha Film Institute at the Museum of Islamic Art auditorium, to mark the Qatar-China 2016 Year of Culture. From November 3 to 7, 2016, audiences in Qatar will have an opportunity to discover China’s rich and diverse cinematic traditions that highlight the vibrancy of films from the country.     

Part of DFI Cinema, the Chinese Film Week celebrates the cultural ties between Qatar and China in support of the Years of Culture initiative organised by the Qatar Museums, and highlights the Institute’s ongoing commitment to strengthen film appreciation and provide diverse cultural perspectives to the local community. The selection includes John Woo’s A Better Tomorrow, Bruce Lee’s Way of the Dragon, Xiaogang Feng’s Back to 1942, Jia Zhangke’s Still Life, Yimou Zhang’s Coming Home, Jackie Chan’s Police Story and Ann Hui’s A Simple Life. Each film presents a distinctive style, and are bound to entertain audiences of all ages.

The series begins on November 3, 7.30 PM with John Woo’s A Better Tomorrow (1986). Starring Ti Lung, Leslie Cheung and Chow-Yun-fat, the film has had a significant impact on Hong Kong’s film industry, and has been ranked second in the list of Best 100 Chinese Motion Pictures. The story of a reforming ex-gangster trying to reconcile with his estranged policeman brother picked up a slew of awards including the Hong Kong Film Award 1987 for Best Picture. 

On November 4 at 4.30 PM, watch legendary martial artist Bruce Lee’s directorial venture Way of the Dragon (1972) that stars Lee with Chuck Norris and Nora Miao. An action comedy, the film is about a man who visits his relatives at their restaurant in Italy, where he defends them from some brutal gangsters. The film won the Golden Horse Award 1973 for Best Film Editing.

Also on Nov. 4, 7.30 PM is the screening of the compelling historical film Back to 1942 (2012) directed by Feng Xiaogang. Starring Guoli Zhang, Hanyu Zhang and Wei Fan, the film is based on a novel by Liu Zhenyun about a deadly drought that wreaks havoc in China’s Henan province during the war against Japan. It won a number of honours at the Beijing International Film Festival 2013, Asia Pacific Screen Awards and Shanghai Film Critics Award, among others.

Jia Zhangke’s Still Life (2006) will be screened on November 5, at 4.30 PM. Making its premiere at Venice Film Festival, where it won the Golden Lion for Best Film, it stars Tao Zhao, Zhou Lan and Sanming Han. Still Life is an evocative drama that is set in Fengjie county, which is being gradually flooded to make away for The Three Gorges Dam. The film unfolds through the eyes of a man and woman, who are visiting the town to locate their estranged spouses.

At 7.30 PM, discover the marvel of the historical drama Coming Home (2014) by Zhang Yimou. Starring Chen Daoming, Gong Li and Zhang Huiwen, the film premiered at Cannes Film Festival. Based on the novel by Geling Yan, the film is about a devoted couple, Lu and Feng, who are forced to separate when Lu is arrested and confined to a labour camp as political prisoner during the Cultural Revolution. He returns home to discover that Feng suffers from amnesia and their daughter, who aspired to be a ballerina, now works as a textile worker.

Gear up for some high-wattage action with actor Jackie Chan’s much-loved Police Story (1985), screening on Nov. 6, at 7.30 PM. Playing the lead role of the Hong Kong police detective Kevin Chan Ka-Kui, it went on to win the Best Film honour at the 1986 Hong Kong Film Awards. Chan considers the film as his best action film, where he plays a cop who must clear his name when drug lords frame him for the murder of a dirty cop. The special event concludes on Nov. 7, 7.30 PM with the screening of the heart-warming film A Simple Life (2011) by Ann Hui. Starring Andy Lau and Deanie Ip, it has won several honours including the Best Actress Award for Ip at Venice Film Festival, where it was an official selection in competition.  The film is about an altruistic maid, who decides to quit her job after suffering from a stroke, and moves to an old people’s home.

Tickets are priced QAR 35, and can be purchased in person from the MIA Box Office or online at www.dohafilminstitute.com

The fourth Ajyal Youth Film Festival presented by the Doha Film Institute, has received the support from leading government and private sector entities in Qatar.

Katara Cultural Village renews its commitment as Cultural Partner, serving as the host venue for all editions of the Festival to date, and Occidental Petroleum Corporation continues to build on its association as Principal Partner of the event, a support extended from the very first year. This year, Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) comes on board as Signature Sponsor, highlighting the value the festival adds to the country’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

Fatma Al Remaihi, Festival Director and CEO of the Doha Film Institute, said: “We are thankful to Katara, Oxy Qatar and Qatar Tourism Authority for their whole-hearted support to Ajyal. Their patronage plays an integral role in hosting an inspiring event for all participants and adds to the prestige of the Festival, and Doha’s reputation as a cultural hub. “In addition to hosting filmmakers and young jurors from around the world, Ajyal Youth Film Festival brings together the Qatari community to celebrate world cinema and provides an interactive platform to the region’s youth to express their opinions and share their creativity.”

General Manager of the Cultural Village Foundation-Katara, H.E. Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, added: “The mission of Ajyal Youth Film Festival to celebrate the best in world cinema, drive the growth of a home-grown film industry, and shape future talent is an ideal fit to our goal of supporting vibrant cultural events that further enhance Qatar’s brand identity. Katara serves as a world-class venue for the event, and has in the past editions welcomed thousands of families throughout the festival period. This is a festival for the community and we are delighted to support it as its Cultural Partner.”

Andrew H. Kershaw, President & General Manager of Oxy Qatar, said: “We are proud to continue our partnership with Ajyal Youth Film Festival, one of the most important cultural events in Qatar. This event serves to encourage creativity amongst the young people in the community, build international friendships and inspire the next generation. Oxy Qatar is committed to supporting the local community by playing an active role in nurturing talent and strengthening Qatar’s cultural landscape.” The six-day Ajyal Youth Film Festival brings generations together (‘ajyal’ is Arabic for ‘generations’) through activities and events designed to inspire creative interaction among the various sectors of the community.

A highlight is the Ajyal Competition with film entries in three segments evaluated by young jurors aged 8 to 21 years. The Festival also features Special Screenings, Cinema Under the Stars, Family Weekend activities and a Creativity Hub.

For more information, please visit ajyalfilm.com 

The Doha Film Institute is launching  an intensive  Producers Lab  that will mentor emerging talent from the region through a 6-day workshop  covering diverse aspects of producing films. The program is the first of its kind in the region, and will cover key areas to support the development of documentary and narrative films in the region.

The Lab is an opportunity for emerging local and Gulf-based producers to develop their skills with the mentorship of noted industry experts, and focuses on the creative, artistic and strategic aspects of producing short or feature-length documentary and fiction films. Fifteen projects, including ten from Qatar , have been selected to take part in the Lab. Five feature narratives, five feature documentaries and five short narratives will be mentored through the programme, with Qatari projects participating in all three categories.

Fatma Al Remaihi, Chief Executive Officer of Doha Film Institute, said: “Doha Film Institute recognises the rise of emerging talent in the region and the fundamental role producers play in defining, supporting and influencing the voice of filmmakers. The first Producers Lab highlights our commitment to nurture the next generation of filmmakers, and help them cultivate a refined sensitivity to balance between the creative and financial aspects of filmmaking. The 15 projects have been chosen for their high creative standards and the vision of the filmmakers & producers to push the boundaries and present strong stories that have global resonance. Through the Producers Lab, we aim to strengthen co-productions in the region, expand networking opportunities for emerging talents, and enhance the overall quality of their productions.”

Evaluated by an expert panel of judges, the selected projects are distinguished by their diversity of themes; compelling documentary and narrative approaches; and distinctive cinematic treatment and format. The Lab aims to enable the talents associated with these projects to address important and nuanced questions related to script development, executive production, finance and budget plans, marketing, pitching and distribution.

The chosen projects include:

Feature Narratives:

• Iter Baghdad - Alaa Alasad (producer - Jordan)
• Coming of Age -  Ania Wójtowicz (producer - Poland/America) & Sara Al-Obaidly (director- Qatar)
• Five Days of Grace - Saleh Nass (director/producer - Bahrain)
• You Will Die at Twenty - Amjad Abu Alala (director/producer - Sudan)
• The Sense of Emptiness - Oksana Shumylo (Ukraine)

Feature Documentary:

• To the Ends of Earth - Hamida Al Kawari (director/producer - Qatar)
• A Man on Fire - Louai Haffar (producer - Lebanon)
• Jamharics: The Children of Zion - Nadine Drummond (producer - UK)
• Stuck in My Name - Muhammad Refaat (producer - Egypt)
• Absence -  Fatma Riahi (producer - Tunisia)

Short Narratives:

• The Dog's Children - Layan Abdul Shakoor (producer - Saudi Arabia)
• The Play - Fahad Al-Obaidly (director/producer Qatar)
• Spot - Latifa Al Darwish (director/producer Qatar)
• Is That All There Is?  - Eiman Merghani (director - Sudan) & Ghouna Jaber (producer – Jordan) 
• The Left Shoe - Ibrahim Korayem (producer – Egypt/Canada)

From November 12 to 17, they will attend the Producers Lab led by industry experts including Dora Bouchoucha, renowned producer and the founder of the Carthage Film Festival Projects Workshop; Jad Abi Khalil, the Head of the Beirut Cinema Platform; Jovan Marjanović, the Head of Industry at Sarajevo Film Festival; Mohamed Hefzy, one of the most prominent scriptwriters and producers in the Arab world; and Violeta Bava, co-founder of BAL, a leading co-production market for Latin American films and a programmer of the Buenos Aires International Film Festival.

With a focus on intensive discussions, the Producers Lab will have Master Classes by Dora Bouchoucha on ‘The Chronology of the Development Process and the Role of the Producer & Creative Producer;’ by Mohamed Hefzy on ‘How the Money Works’ and by Jovan Marjanović on ‘Sales Distributions and Markets.’ There will be one-on-one advising meetings with the mentors, group working sessions and pitch training, and project pitch presentations in addition to the screening and case studies on Hedi by Mohamed bin Attia (Tunisia) produced by Bouchoucha, the first Arab film to win in the official competition at Berlinale in two decades; and Mohamed Diab’s Clash (Egypt) that opened the Un Certain Regard strand at 2016 Cannes and is produced by Mohamed Hefzy.

Through intensive training exercises, group tutorials, tailor-made one-on-one meetings and master classes, participants will gain deeper insight into various elements of film producing and come to truly understand the role of a producer. The Producers Lab is among the year-round training activities undertaken by the Doha Film Institute. Earlier this year, the Institute hosted two Short Filmmaking Labs; a Short and a Feature Scriptwriting Labs with Torino Film Lab; the La Fémis Gulf Summer University for aspiring young filmmakers to train in Paris; and Master Classes with Patrick Doyle, Teresa Cavina, Stella Bruzzi and Alix Madigan.

The fourth edition of Ajyal Youth Film Festival, presented by the Doha Film Institute, will kick off on November 30, 2016, at Katara Cultural Village bringing a six-day eclectic showcase of 42 public screenings, 18 jury screenings, interactive panels and masterclasses, red carpets, exhibitions and family activities.

This year, Ajyal highlights the theme of positive social change with 70 thought-provoking films that will inspire the youth and stimulate discussions about real and relevant issues that affect them globally. The motivational line-up includes 24 features and 46 short narratives/documentaries, from 33 countries that cover themes ranging from women empowerment to the global displacement crisis, the loss of loved ones, financial dependence, separation and every day struggles, presented with an underlying spirit of optimism and hope that will warm the hearts of the viewers.

The festival will open with the MENA premiere of The Eagle Huntress, directed by Otto Bell, and close with The Red Turtle by Michaël Dudok de Wit – also a MENA premiere, described as a wordless wonder. Other highlights of this year’s feature film line-up also include the MENA premieres of Cannes Palme d’Or winner I, Daniel Blake from Ken Loach, Asghar Farhadi’s The Salesman and Babak Anvari’s Under the Shadow. Golden Bear winner at Berlin Fire at Sea by Gianfranco Rosi and Sundance favourite Hunt for the Wilderpeople by Taika Watiti will enjoy their Qatar Premieres at the Festival.

Ajyal 2016 also includes a diverse showcase of 18 documentary films, highlighting the importance of the art form to address important issues, and used as a tool for promoting social change throughout its history. 27 of the films to be screened at Ajyal are by women directors/producers.

An eclectic shorts programme will see films screen to the public during the festival for the very first time – 17 of these in the Made in Qatar section, which celebrates work by local filmmakers and those who call Qatar home. The 2016 programme marks a milestone with the world premieres of the first completed projects from the 2015 Qatar Film Fund recipients, Nora Al-Subai’s Al-Johara and Amer-An Arabian Legend by Jassim Al Rumaihi.  The Waiting Room by Hend Fakhroo and AJ Al-Thani’s Kashta, recipients of the Institute’s Grants Programme, also make their world debut’s at the 2016 Festival. 

Announcing the line-up of films and the varied activities associated with Ajyal, Fatma Al Remaihi, Festival Director and CEO of Doha Film Institute, said: “Ajyal is a festival of cinema for the community, which has truly become an event for all generations. At the core of this celebration are young people from Qatar and around the world, who come together in a creative and inspiring environment, to explore and engage with the many interesting films and subject matters that fuels their curiosity and sparks their imaginations.

“Since our inception four years ago, we have evolved tremendously, especially in the diversity of our programming that encourages critical thinking on contemporary issues, and highlights the power of films to shape perceptions and change minds. This growth would not have been possible without the love and encouragement of our jurors and audiences, who breathe life into this community event. “This year too, we are engaging them with compelling and meaningful films that enhance their awareness of the world around them, and inspires them to see humanity from fresh perspectives. With our theme on social change and transformation, we have carefully curated a programme that urges audiences to understand the power that lies in every human being to make a positive difference.”

The competition line-up at Ajyal 2016 comprises 14 meaningful feature films from 17 countries and a series of short film programmes. More than 500 jurors from the ages of 8 to 21 who make up the Ajyal Competition Jury will watch and analyse a dynamic programme of films under three competitive sections – Mohaq, Hilal, and Bader – followed by discussions and events including panels, workshops and Q&A sessions with filmmakers. The 2016 Ajyal Jury includes a delegation of 24 international jurors who will travel to Doha for the event from 10 countries including Australia, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq, Italy, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Serbia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

This year, Ajyal is introducing the Midnight Screenings strand and will also bring the inclusive screening of The Idol by Hany Abu-Assad, presented in a ‘trans-adapted’ version to mark the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Ajyal 2016 will screen 15 films that are supported by the Doha Film Institute through its Grants Programme, co-financing, Qatari Film Fund or projects mentored through its labs and workshops. These include the feature films: Under the Shadow by Babak Anvari (Spring Grant 2014); Listen to the Silence by Mariam Chachia (Spring Grant 2016) and The Salesman by Asghar Farhadi, produced by Memento Films Production and Asghar Farhadi Production, in coproduction with Arte France Cinéma and in association with DFI, Memento Films Distribution and Arte France.

The short films at Ajyal supported by the Institute are: Waves by Ely Dagher (Spring Grant 2014); Ave Maria by Basil Khalil (Fall Grant 2013); Mariam by Faiza Ambah (Spring Grant 2013); and The Waiting Room by Hend Fakhroo (Fall Grant 2015) ; Al-Johara by Nora Al-Subai (Qatari Film Fund 2015); Amer: An Arabian Legend by Jassim Al-Rumaihi (Qatar Film Fund 2015); and Kashta by AJ Al Thani (Fall Grant 2015). Ajyal 2016 has a rich selection of highly acclaimed films. Directed by Ken Loach, I, Daniel Blake is the winner of the Palme d’Or at Cannes this year, while The Salesman won the prizes for Best Screenplay and Best Actor. Fire at Sea directed by Gianfranco Rosi, is the winner of Berlinale’s Golden Bear this year. The Eagle Huntress won acclaim at Sundance and Enclave by Goran Radovanović was Serbia’s entry for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film last year.

Three films in contention for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film this year are screening at Ajyal including Under the Shadow (entry by UK), The Salesman (by Iran) and The Idol (by Palestine). Ave Maria was also Oscar-nominated for Best Live Action (Short Film) at the 2016 Academy Awards. Tickets go on sale from 16 November and are priced QR25 for general screening. Tickets are available for purchase 24 hours a day at ajyalfilm.com or from the Ajyal Katara Main Box Office in Katara Building 12 or Ajyal FNAC Ticket Outlet, FNAC Qatar (at Lagoona Mall).

Katara is the Cultural Partner and Oxy Qatar is the Principal Partner for the 2016 edition. Qatar Tourism Authority is the Signature Partner of the festival this year. For more details on the Ajyal Youth Film Festival, please visit www.dohafilminstitute.com/filmfestival

Set to captivate young audiences, 14 thought-provoking feature films from across the globe are vying for top honours at the fourth edition of the Ajyal Youth Film Festival from Nov. 30 to Dec. 5 at Katara Cultural Village. These include festival winners and Academy Award submissions that cover themes and issues impacting youth in Qatar and around the world.

Fatma Al Remaihi, Festival Director and CEO of Doha Film Institute, said: “The feature films in-competition at Ajyal are indeed some of the finest works in world cinema today. They are all poignant takes on life that inspire and move you with real-life and fictional tales. Through stories of nature, human emotions, familial bonding and fantasy takes, these films are sure to engage our Ajyal jurors, and make a positive impact on their lives. Each film reflects our time and space, and even when discussing difficult subjects, they weave magic – instilling hope, self-confidence and motivation.”

“The selection also celebrates excellence in world cinema today and includes films from acclaimed filmmakers such as Ken Loach, Gianfranco Rosi, Asghar Farhadi and Taika Waititi, who are some of the most powerful voices within the international film community”, she added. Youth participation is at the heart of the Festival and its jury programme, provides young people between the ages of 8 and 21 with an opportunity to watch, analyse and discuss films from all over the world, developing critical thinking, self-expression, and an appreciation of cinema.

The Ajyal Competition categories include Mohaq (New Moon in Arabic), Ajyal’s youngest jurors, aged 8 to 12.  Ajyal’s jurors aged 13 to 17 comprise the Hilal jury (Crescent Moon in Arabic) and Bader (Arabic for ‘Full Moon’) jurors are aged 18 to 21. All jurors watch feature and short films specially curated for their age groups, and each of the three juries award a Best Film prize in both categories. Screening in the Ajyal Competition’s Mohaq section are four deeply motivating films:

Hunt for the Wilderpeople (New Zealand / 2016), directed by Taika Waititi narrates the story of Ricky who has one last chance to settle down with a foster family before he lands in juvenile detention and state custody. Directed by Lee Sung-gang, Kai (South Korea / 2016) is about the eponymous hero and his sister, who are separated when a freak avalanche strikes. Rescued by his mother, Kai grows up to be a brave young warrior, who will fight back the cold heart of the Snow Queen Hattan.

Listen to the Silence (pictured) (Georgia, Qatar / 2016) is the debut film of Mariam Chachia, which tells the story of nine-year-old Luka, who lives in a boarding school for deaf children. His decision to take up traditional Georgian dancing, changes his life. Three best friends are in a race against time to find the antidote for a toxin in Secret Society of Souptown (Estonia, Finland / 2015), directed by Margus Paju.

Five films compete in the Hilal section for audiences 13 years or older, that encourage self-expression:

Enclave (Serbia, Germany/2015), directed by Goran Radovanović, was Serbia’s entry for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film last year. It is about young Nenad, who lives in a UN-protected Serbian enclave in Kosovo, where he is taken to school every day in an armoured vehicle accompanied by soldiers.

Sonita (Iran, Germany, Switzerland / 2015) is the winner of the Grand Jury and Audience Awards for Best World Documentary at Sundance this year. Directed by Rokhsareh Ghaem Maghami, it is about 18-yearold Afghan refugee Sonita, who dreams of being a world-famous rapper in Tehran, where it is illegal for women to sing.

Directed by Otto Bell, The Eagle Huntress (Mongolia, UK, USA/2016) is a heartwarming celebration of the passion of one very determined young woman, the special bond between a father and his daughter and, finally, of the wonderful ability of the human spirit to rise to a challenge. The film highlights the themes of Ajyal this year including its focus on positive social change, women empowerment and the rekindling of hope.

Directed by Niam Itani, a former refugee herself, Twice Upon a Time (Lebanon / 2016) is an attempt at documenting the meaning of childhood with nine-year-old Khalil, whose family fled Syria to the same village where Itani’s family once took shelter during the Lebanese Civil War. The World of Us (South Korea / 2016) by Yoon Ga-eun is about two 10-year-olds, whose friendship is tested when the new school year begins, and everyday reality of their different social classes sets in.

The Bader segment for young adults includes five feature films that exposes them to cinema as a contemporary art form:

Fatima (France / 2015) by Philippe Faucon, which had its world premiere at Cannes this year, is about an Algerian immigrant to France who spends all her energy working as a cleaner to care for her two daughters.

Directed by Gianfranco Rosi, Fire at Sea (Italy, France / 2016) is the winner of Berlinale’s Golden Bear this year, and is set in the tiny Italian island of Lampedusa, which has been the first stop on the migrant route from Africa to Europe.

The winner of the Palme d’Or at Cannes this year, I, Daniel Blake (UK, France, Belgium / 2016) is by celebrated director Ken Loach. It lays bare one of Great Britain’s most damaging social ills through Blake, who finds himself entangled in the red tape when he applies for unemployment benefits.

Life, Animated (USA, France / 2016) is directed by Roger Ross Williams. It provides an uplifting look at the power of storytelling, the magic of the movies, and the incredible resourcefulness of the human mind through the story of Owen Suskind, who is diagnosed with autism.

The official Oscar entry from Iran, The Salesman, directed by Asghar Farhadi, and produced by Memento Films Production and Asghar Farhadi Production, in coproduction with Arte France Cinéma and in association with DFI, Memento Films Distribution and Arte France. It won the Best Screenplay for Farhadi and the Best Actor award for Shahab Hosseini at this year’s Cannes, and is a complex story of two people suddenly at odds in a space contaminated by uncertainty and mistrust.

Tickets go on sale from 16 November and are priced QR25 for general screening. Tickets are available for purchase 24 hours a day at ajyalfilm.com or from the Ajyal Katara Main Box Office in Katara Building 12 or Ajyal FNAC Ticket Outlet, FNAC Qatar (at Lagoona Mall). 

Under the patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar Museums (QM) held its first ever Teachers Council yesterday, as part of the organisation’s continued focus and commitment to educating society about the arts, heritage and creativity.

The Teachers Council event, which took place at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) on Sunday, saw 200 teachers from schools across Qatar come together to share their opinions and feedback on QM’s educational programmes and resources.

Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani personally welcomed teachers at the event and invited them to engage more closely with Qatar Museums. The event also included speeches from Mr. Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al-Mahmoud, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Museums and Advisor to H.E. the Chairperson and Ms. Fatima Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute. During this education-focused event, participants were given an informative tour of the galleries at MIA and were shown a demonstration of QM’s object-based teaching. They were also given an opportunity to visit the museum’s Education Center, the Library and several other areas.

The event was a great opportunity for teachers to learn about QM and its institutions, and discover the wide range of learning resources available to them through the organisation. Teachers were invited to offer their expert opinion on the educational resources available and to suggest ideas for the development of future ones. They were also invited to engage more closely with QM educators and were informed about numerous professional development opportunities that QM is planning, including a Teacher Training programme, in the field of applied and history of art.

Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, said: “At Qatar Museums, we are committed to providing learning opportunities and resources for everyone in Qatar, including teachers, which enhances the art and culture they encounter and enables them to pass their learnings on tomorrow’s creative generation.” “It is also vital that we continue to hold events like this one, as feedback that we receive from teachers will enable us to continuously improve and evolve our educational offerings across QM to enrich lives, broaden horizons and stimulate the creativity within the community. We are delighted with today’s turnout and look forward to holding more events like this one in the future.”

Across the entire organisation, QM strives to align its educational offerings and learning opportunities with teachers’ interests and the school curriculum. The organisation prides itself on its commitment to contributing to the educational landscape of the State of Qatar as a provider of informal education and life-long learning through arts, culture and heritage. Qatar Museums offers a wide selection of educational programmes and dynamic activities across the country all year around. In particular, MIA offers learning opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy and take part in, including regular exhibition tours, art classes, calligraphy classes and object handling workshops.

All activities and workshops aim to strengthen family bonds, develop creativity, build confidence and improve communication skills. For more information, visit: http://www.qm.org.qa/en/education

The fourth edition of the Ajyal Youth Film Festival by Doha Film Institute to be held from November 30 to December 5, 2016, at Katara Cultural Village has received overwhelming and continued support from several leading public and private sector entities in the country.

In a clear demonstration of the community spirit that marks the festival, governmental entities and businesses from diverse sectors have joined hands with Ajyal to make this edition another remarkable success that adds to the civic pride of the country. Fatma Al Remaihi, Festival Director and CEO of Doha Film Institute, said: “We thank all our partners for their continued support to the Ajyal Youth Film Festival. This is an event for the community, by the community, and the active participation of the leading businesses enables us to deliver another memorable edition. 

“The number of repeat partners and the interest of new entities to join hands make this year’s Ajyal truly special, with several of them being with us since the festival’s inception four years ago. Through their partnership, they are contributing to shaping the next generation of creative talent in the country while adding value to the economy through an event that brings visitors from around the world.” Continuing its proud tradition, Cultural Village Foundation-Katara comes on board again as Cultural Partner for the fourth consecutive year, while Occidental Petroleum of Qatar Ltd.is the Principal Partner. This year, Qatar Tourism Authority comes on board as Signature Partner. 

Fifty One East – Official Electronics Partner, Novo Cinemas and SONY are returning as Contributing Sponsors with FNAC Qatar, earlier a ‘Friend of the Festival’ also joining in the rank. Marsa Malaz Kempinski-The Pearl - Doha is the new Contributing Sponsor and will be the Official Hotel Partner. Al Jazeera Media Network is the Global Media Sponsor, a continuing partnership, while Qatar Television also extends its support once again as Media Sponsor. It will screen live updates of all key events at Ajyal this year also.

The 2016 Friends of the Festival include Aspire Katara Hospitality (AKH), Northwestern University in Qatar, Culture Pass by Qatar Museums, Qatar Foundation, The National Reading Campaign, The National Program for Conservation and Energy Efficiency “Tarsheed”, Vodafone Qatar, Translation and Interpreting Institute of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), DANA – Official Water Sponsor, Giffoni Experience , Katara Hall, Regency Halls, Makeup District Salon - Official Hair and Makeup Sponsor, Al Nazih Trading Co.- Official Hair and Make Up supplier and MAIA Abaya.

The six-day Ajyal Youth Film Festival brings generations together (‘ajyal’ is Arabic for ‘generations’) through activities and events designed to inspire creative interaction among the various sectors of the community. A highlight is the Ajyal Competition with film entries in three segments evaluated by young jurors aged 8 to 21 years. The Festival also features Special Screenings, Thematic Tributes, Cinema Under the Stars, Family Weekend activities and a Creativity Hub. Ajyal has been designed to empower the region’s youth and to inspire film enthusiasts of all ages in Qatar and the region.

Tickets go on sale from 16 November and are priced QR25 for general screening. Tickets are available for purchase 24 hours a day at ajyalfilm.com or from the Ajyal Katara Main Box Office in Katara Building 12 or Ajyal FNAC Ticket Outlet, FNAC Qatar (at Lagoona Mall).

For more details, log on to: www.dohafilminstitute.com

The fourth Ajyal Youth Film Festival, presented by the Doha Film Institute from November 30 to December 5, promises a never-before experience for the community with its Geekdom: Time Machine Exhibition. A hub for the community to come together and relive their childhood through games, music, cartoons and films, Geekdom is one of the fascinating attractions of Ajyal, which will appeal to all ages alike.

Fatma Al Remaihi, Festival Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute, said: “Geekdom is our interactive hub where all members of the community can freely explore, learn and experience the joy of creative exploration. In addition to films, games and music, Geekdom opens doors for visitors to strengthen community bonding by sharing with the like-minded their hobbies and creative pursuits. Ajyal is an event for the entire community and what better way than to relive old memories and make new ones at Geekdom.”

The Time Machine Exhibition will assure a trip down nostalgia lane as visitors will be transported to the time of Snakes & Ladders, handheld gaming, hangman and other childhood favourites of yore. Adding to the spirit of community engagement, hobby collectors in Qatar can exhibit their extensive collections. They will also have a rent-free space for local nostalgia collectors to sell their items, if they so wish, to the public. Other aspects of the Geekdom include a Gaming Area that showcases an array of games for all ages, a Screening & Chill-out Zone and the Break Corner. The Ajyal Wall makes its return this year too where visitors can express themselves through art. Among the participants at Geekdom are The 1-Up Gaming Centre, The Gaming Lounge and Kanpeki Team.

Open for free to the public, Geekdom will be held at Katara Building 18 on Dec. 1, 3 and 4 from 10 am to 10 pm, on Dec. 2 from 2 to 10 pm and on Dec. 5 from 10 am to 4 pm. Katara is the Cultural Partner and Oxy Qatar is the Principal Partner for the 2016 edition. Qatar Tourism Authority is the Signature Partner of the festival this year. For more details on the Ajyal Youth Film Festival, please visit www.dohafilminstitute.com/filmfestival

Doha Film Institute (DFI) today announced the formation of its Executive Board of Trustees, with five new members representing key ministries and authorities, national and international media organisations.   

Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Founder and Chairperson of the Doha Film Institute, continues to chair the board. Continuing members include Mansoor Ebrahim Al-Mahmoud, CEO of Qatar Museums & special Advisor to H.E. the Chairperson and H.E. Issa bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi, Chairman of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Board of Directors.

The new trustees are: H.E. Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, an avid film enthusiast and member of the Royal family; H.E. Saleh bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali Maadheed, Qatar’s Minister of Culture and Sports; H.E. Nasser bin Ghanem Al-Khelaifi, Chairman of Qatar Sports Investments and CEO of the beIN Media Group, H.E. Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Chief Executive Officer of the Qatar Media Corporation; and H.E. Sheikh Saif bin Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, Director of the Government Communication Office and Acting Director of the Prime Minister’s Office.

Drawing on their wealth of experience and expertise from working with diverse national and international organisations, the members will work with the DFI team to build a strong cultural showcase that strengthens Qatar’s position as a leading producer of creative and compelling content from the Arab region.

H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa said: “The Board of Trustees of the Doha Film Institute will steer the organisation to a new era of growth that will focus not only on driving a vibrant Qatari film industry, but also on fostering the next generation of talents who are creating compelling content in the Middle East. While the Doha Film Institute has come a long way in accomplishing our founding goals, it is important that we regularly revisit our strategic priorities and redefine our strategies to reflect the aspirations of the youth. 

“We are a young film organisation with a global vision and ambitions, and this new board will formulate innovative and creative approaches to meeting the mandate of the Institute. The members will also focus on making films and culture a meaningful part of the Qatari community by celebrating our rich heritage and values.”

New Trustee Profiles:

• H.E. Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani: With his passion and keen interest in cinema, H.E. Sheikh Thani bin Hamad brings youthful thinking, perspective and energy to the Board of Trustees of Doha Film Institute. He will play a central role in defining youth-oriented strategies to build a talent pool of young Qatari film professionals and create world-class content in Qatar. An advocate of exporting narratives from the East to the West, H.E. Sheikh Thani bin Hamad believes in the power of cinema to convey a strong message, bring about positive social change, and reach a mass audience.
• H.E. Saleh bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali Maadheed:  Qatar’s Minister of Culture and Sports, H.E. leads the development of the nation’s cultural and sports sectors with a focus on nurturing the next generation of talent. Previously, he was the nation’s Minister of Youth and Sports, playing a key role in developing youth talent through diverse initiatives.
• H.E. Nasser bin Ghanem Al-Khelaifi: A former Davis Cup player and member of the Qatar National Tennis team, Nasser Al-Khelaifi is the Chairman of Qatar Sports Investments (QSi), a fund dedicated to investments in the sport and leisure industry on a national and international level. Al-Khelaifi is also Chairman of the Board and CEO of the Paris Saint-Germain Football Club; CEO of the beIN Media Group, President of the Qatar Tennis Federation, Chairman of the Asian Tennis Federation, a member of the board of the Qatar Investment Authority and Chairman of the Board of MIRAMAX.
• H.E. Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani: H.E. is CEO of the Qatar Media Corporation, the apex media entity entrusted with implementing a clear framework for the industry’s growth, and also a Board Member of Al Jazeera Network. H.E. plays a key role in shaping the media and cultural landscape of Qatar, and has made significant contributions to establishing the nation as one of the leaders in the media industry through visionary and transformational initiatives. Previously, H.E. served as Director Manager in charge of the Media Development Department at Qatar Media Corporation, Media Expert at the Office of His Highness the Heir Apparent, and Member of the Committee and Director of the Board of Cultural Events at the Doha Cultural Media Committee.
• H.E. Sheikh Saif bin Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani: Director of the Government Communication Office and Acting Director of the Prime Minister’s Office, Sheikh Saif held the post of Senior International Relations Officer with the Prime Minister’s Office before assuming his current position as Director of the Government Communication Office and Acting Director of the Prime Minister’s Office. He began his career with the Government of Qatar as a Senior International Relations Officer with the Ministry of Interior.

Other Trustee Profiles:

• Mansour Ibrahim Al-Mahmoud: A senior executive engaged in cultivating Qatar’s evolving public sphere, Mansour Al-Mahmoud holds the mandate for developing Qatar Museums Authority into a leading global cultural organisation, as its CEO and advisor to Sheikha Al Mayassa. He was previously the Office Director of the Prime Minister of the State of Qatar’s Office at the Qatar Investment Authority, where he helped elevate the nation’s international investment relations. Al-Mahmoud has also served on the boards of Qatari Diar, Qatar National Bank and the Hassad Food Company.​
• H.E. Issa bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi: the former Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), H.E. project management and international business background served QTA well as it embarked on rolling out the new Tourism Sector Strategy for Qatar. He was the founding CEO of Msheireb Properties, a subsidiary of the Qatar Foundation, promoting sustainability in architecture and heritage preservation in Qatar. He is the founder and chairperson of the Qatar Green Building Council and has held senior management positions at RasGas. H.E. is Chairman of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Board of Directors and a board member of Qatar Airways, Qatari Diar and Barwa Real Estate.

Education City recently played host to the National Reading Campaign’s ‘Characters’ Village’, with over 12,500 visitors enjoying a range of ‘edutainment’ activities inspired by the campaign’s six iconic storybook characters.

For five days, Qatar Foundation’s Ceremonial Court and Green Spine were transformed into mini worlds of fantasy and fun, with separate character zones built around Little Red Riding Hood, Pinocchio, Alice in Wonderland, Joha, Little Lulu, and Sinbad. The event forms part of a nation-wide collaborative effort to foster a book-loving culture in Qatar. Khalifa E. Al Kubaisi, Head of Press Office,Qatar Foundation, said: “This weekend’s ‘Characters’ Village’ has proven invaluable in reinforcing the National Reading Campaign’s primary objective, to cultivate a book-loving culture in Qatar. We want to inspire children to become excited about reading, as we firmly believe it’s fundamental to most cognitive learning processes.”

“We created separate zones for each of the campaign’s six characters. Utilising a ‘learning through play’ approach, the event was specifically designed to engage the imaginations of local children by strengthening the message that reading can be fun, exciting and informative, and not only academic,” Khalifa concluded.

The National Reading Campaign will also hold a booth at the Doha Film Institute’s (DFI) upcoming Ajyal Youth Film Festival taking place from 1- 3 December at Katara Cultural Village.Children will be able to enjoy a number of exciting activities, such as themed storytelling sessions, interactive games like oversized jigsaws and Scrabble, and book hangouts. Additionally, the National Reading Campaign’s six mascots will join in the Qatar National Day celebrations this year, at QF’s Darb El-Saai festivities from 8 December – 20 December.

‘Characters’ Village’ is part of QF’s popular National Reading Campaign. Championed by Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, the campaign is committed to engaging the community to inspire a new generation of book lovers. For more information, please visit the National Reading Campaign website: www.powerofreading.qa