Doha Film Institute Cinema (DFI Cinema) will showcase Emirati director Humaid al-Suwaidi’s first feature film Abdullah (UAE/2016/Arabic) on January 26 and 27 at 7.30pm at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Auditorium.
The event is part of the Hekayat Khaleejiya screening series, which showcases ‘Stories from the Gulf’. The screening will be followed by a question-and-answer (Q&A) session with lead actor Alaa’ Shaker.
The film tells the story of an Emirati boy (Abdullah) who develops a fascination for music from an early age, but struggles to hide that over the years from his very conservative family — where many things are forbidden.
Al-Suwaidi shot the film in the emirates of Ajman, north of the UAE, despite all of the difficulties in location and funds. He directed and produced the film with the help of his New York Film Academy batchmates. Al-Suwaidi studied his first year in Abu Dhabi and moved to Los Angeles to complete his second year of the degree programme.
The DFI Cinema series provides cultural and creative discoveries for audiences in Doha all-year long, making a valuable contribution to the diversity of screen culture in the region.
Tickets are priced QR35; student tickets are priced at QR25; they must present a valid ID to receive the discount. Tickets can be purchased from MIA DFI Box Office or online at www.dohafilminstitute.com
A still from the film Abdullah.
