Directors Latifa al-Darwish, Maaria Assami and Sara al-Saadi have officially released their award-winning documentary, Bader, in a special event organised by the filmmakers and Doha Film Institute (DFI) at the Student Centre Cinema, Hamad Bin Khalifa University.

Following the screening, a panel discussed the issue of “film and education”. It comprised Dr Hend al-Muftah, director at Childhood Cultural Centre; Afrah al-Reyashi, head of Social Science, Supreme Education Council; Dr Batoul Khalifa, mental health professor, Qatar University; Saad Burshaid, Theatre Department manager, Ministry of Culture, Arts & Heritage; and Dr Khalid al-Hroub, professor in residence, Liberal Arts Programme, Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q).

Al-Darwish, Assami and al-Saadi said Bader has a very strong story that they believe is worth telling. “We are very excited to share his story with the community. We look forward to hearing what everyone thinks of the film and hope it will start a positive discussion regarding the themes raised in it.”

Fatma al-Remaihi, director of Ajyal Youth Film Festival & Programmes at DFI, said: “We are very proud of the directors of Bader and all the local talents who are building the local film scene. The great attraction that Bader had through this event and prior screenings is another example of the importance of supporting our local filmmakers to provide audiences in Qatar with local content. We look forward to supporting their future projects and wish them all the best for their bright film career ahead.”

Bader is a documentary that tells the story of a young boy who overcomes the struggles he faces through the recitation of poetry. The film hopes to create a positive discussion about the themes it explores around young people and education.

The directors made the film while they were students at NU-Q. Since it was made in 2012, the film has been named the Best Film (Made in Qatar) at the Doha Tribeca Film Festival 2012 and winner of the Jury Award in Short Documentary Competition at the Emirates Film Competition, and also received a Special Mention in the Student Short Film Competition at the Gulf Film Festival.

It also screened as part of DFI’s special market presentation at the Clermont Ferrand International Short Film Festival in 2013 and the Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner.

For more information, visit www.baderfilm.com/