Doha Film Institute (DFI) is presenting a showcase of four short films by Qatar and GCC filmmakers on July 30-31 at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA).
This is part of the quarterly Hekayat Khaleejiya screenings, which highlight contemporary cinematic voices from the region.
Underlining the institute’s “commitment to supporting emerging filmmakers and promoting cinema appreciation”, the screenings will be followed by interactive Q&A sessions with the filmmakers and talents associated with the movies, according to a statement.
Fatma al-Remaihi, CEO of DFI, said: “We are delighted to present this collection of quality films from the Gulf region to Qatari filmgoers. Through the Hekayat Khaleejiya series, we provide an opportunity to experience these works on the big screen as well as a dynamic forum where audience members can speak with members of the cast and crew about their creative process.”
The July screenings under Hekayat Khaleejiya include Qatari director Ali al-Anssari’s Qarar (Qatar, 2014), which received special mention at the Made in Qatar Awards at Ajyal Youth Film Festival 2014 for its “consummate technical proficiency in cinematography, direction, acting and special effects”.
A science fiction short, Qarar narrates the tale of a young married couple trying to survive an epidemic that has turned the population of Doha into zombies. The director and lead actor Mohamed Sharif will attend the Q&A session after the screening.
Chai Haleeb (Kuwait, 2013), directed by Mishal al-Hulail, charts the journey of Ahmed who is retracing his missing father Nasser’s movements.
Koshk (UAE, 2014) is directed by Abdulla al-Kaabi, noted for his debut short film ‘The Philosopher’, starring Jean Reno. Koshk is a story of how far a mother would go to comfort her own seclusion. Producer Kambiz Safari will address the audience following the screening.
The fourth film is Bosala (Saudi Arabia, 2015), directed by Mujtaba Saeed. It is about Noura al-Ahmad, a graduate student, who is asked by the Saudi Student Cultural Association to live with her husband, Mashaal, during her stay at the University of Berlin. Mujtaba and the film’s screenwriter, Ali Saeed, will answer questions on the film.
Qarar, Chai Haleeb and Bosala are in Arabic with English subtitles, while Koshk is in Farsi with Arabic with English subtitles. The films will be screened from 7pm.
Tickets can be bought in person from the MIA DFI ticket outlet on Thursday from 12noon to 8pm and on Friday from 2pm to 8pm. Regular tickets are priced at QR35, while students pay QR25 on presenting a valid student ID.
Tickets can also be bought online at www.dohafilminstitute.com
Qarar by Ali al-Anssari.
