Author

The Qatari Forum for Authors held a discussion at the House of Wisdom Hall in the Ministry of Culture, focusing on the novel Zahra by Iraqi writer Maysloun Fakher, coinciding with the World Youth Skills Day. The session was moderated by Mohamed al-Shabrawi and attended by writers, intellectuals, and enthusiasts.The novel addresses the challenges faced by an Arab asylum seeker in Europe, specifically Sarah, the protagonist, who grew up in Swedish society. Sarah’s tragedy begins when she is taken from her biological parents and placed with another family. This traumatic event fills her with anxiety and obsessions, rooted in the fragmented nature of her experience. Her life is marked by a mixture of secret and public suffering, leading her to confront burning questions in a world filled with chaos, numbness, and indifference.Sarah grapples with feelings of inferiority imposed by the dominant perspective of the other side. She is caught between brutal wars and the pressures of Westernisation, which aim to destroy, distort, and sever her connection to her roots. This results in a sharp decline and confusion within her displaced world, leaving her complicit in the devastation. She is haunted by a sense of shame, seen as primitive and degraded through Orientalisation, while simultaneously being pressured by the madness of Westernisation.Sarah is portrayed as intolerant and supportive of her roots, despite the challenges she faces in Stockholm. Since childhood, she has endured ostracism, abuse, and the conflict of her paths intersecting with fatalism. She suffered from coercive care procedures, including the termination of her biological parents’ rights and her placement in alternative care.

Mohamed Jasser, a journalist for the Palestine newspaper, was martyred on Saturday, as a result of the Israeli occupation targeting his house in the Gaza Strip, as part of the genocidal war waged by Israel against the Gaza Strip.A medical source at Kamal Adwan Hospital in the northern Gaza Strip said: “Journalist Mohamed Jasser was martyred along with his wife and two children in an Israeli raid that targeted their house in the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip.”The Palestinian Wafa Agency quoted local sources as saying that the occupation aircraft targeted the journalist’s house in Jabalia camp with heavy missiles, which led to the martyrdom of journalist Mohamed Jasser and all his family members, and their bodies were all transferred to Kamal Adwan Hospital.The Qatar Press Center (QPC) renewed its condemnation of the Israeli occupation forces targeting journalists in Gaza with killing and abuse, the latest of which was the killing of Palestinian journalist Mohamed Jasser and all members of his family.The QPC denounced the Israeli army’s targeting of journalists’ families, homes, and locations inside Gaza, which is a blatant violation of international law and a heinous crime to silence free media and obstruct its transmission of the truth to the world.The QPC called on the international community to condemn the targeting of journalists in Gaza by bombing their homes and the homes of their families, in addition to arrest and intimidation.QPC also called for putting pressure on Israel to release detained male and female journalists and media professionals, who are languishing in Israeli prisons, in compelling circumstances, depriving them of the most basic prisoners’ rights stipulated in the international laws and conventions.With the martyrdom of journalist Jasser, the number of journalist casualties since the beginning of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, on October 7, rises to 161 journalists.

Qatar National Library (QNL) will launch a photography competition from August 1-15 on the architectural design of the library, where competitors will submit artistic images that highlight the aesthetics of the library’s engineering and design.The pictures could be of the external view or the internal library courtyards, from a unique and creative perspective.Participants must be residents of Qatar with a valid Qatar ID, and must be 18 years and above. Each participant must submit up to four photographs. Photos must focus on aspects of the library’s architecture. They must be original and taken by the participant, at QNL. Photos generated by artificial intelligence (AI) are not permitted.The photographs must be of high-quality and high-resolution, so that they can be edited or colour-graded for enhancements. There are no limitations on the device used to capture the photos; they can be taken with a phone or a professional camera.The submission requirements specify that the photos must be published as a new post on Instagram. The images can be old or new but the Instagram post must be published during August 1-15. Profiles must be set to the public to view the entries. The caption of the post must include the hashtag #QNLThroughMyLens to be a valid entry.The judging will be based on the unique perspectives and creativity in composition, the quality of the photo in terms of focus, lighting, and exposure.All entries must be published on the participant’s Instagram account by Thursday, August 15. The winner will receive an iPhone 14 Pro. The winner will be announced on August 18 (World Photography Day), on QNL social media channels. The winner’s photos will be featured on QNL social media.By entering the competition, participants agree to grant QNL the right to use the submitted photos for promotional purposes, with full credit given to the photographer, QNL said on its website.

Al Jazeera Media Institute has announced a project for small and community institutions and initiatives, and invited applications for support for the initiatives and ideas for media projects.This project is part of efforts to shed light on important development issues and work to build a better future for communities in the Arab region as part of the Global South, within the second cycle of the project to support independent initiatives.The project, called “Voices from the South”, comes during a difficult period in the Arab region, characterised by the war on the Gaza Strip, which imposed major challenges on small institutions working to provide information to the public.The project aims to strengthen independent media voices representing the communities of the Global South and those associated with it.The Al Jazeera Media Institute invites institutions and initiatives concerned with journalism and media to apply to the project by submitting the team’s CVs, and providing a letter of recommendation from a society or person capable of recommending the project, in addition to other conditions.The project seeks to support initiatives concerned with the areas of digital media development, media education, and the development of storytelling.It is aimed at institutions and initiatives that work to improve and develop the ability of journalists to narrate news stories, in addition to specialised and community journalism, in-depth and analytical journalism, and sustainable development.The institute provides in-kind support to the initiatives amounting to no more than $5,000, entailing free training courses to raise the efficiency of the initiative’s personnel, strategic plans to develop the initiative’s management, and meetings with specialists to develop the idea and content, digital platforms, visual identity, and journalistic narration tools.It should be noted that the project does not provide grants based on cash support, nor does it cover salaries and bonuses for journalists.The project does not cover the purchase of equipment and devices.The last date for submitting applications is July 23.

Qatar University (QU) has publicised that scholarship decisions will be announced next on August 5, the benefits of which include exemption from tuition fees, book fees and the provision of housing for international students.The scholarships that will be announced in August include admission scholarships for excellence, scholarships for children of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) citizens who have obtained a Qatari high school diploma, and scholarships for children of employees at Qatar University. This is in addition to scholarships for outstanding performance, which the university offers to academically distinguished students enrolled at the university in bachelor’s majors. Outstanding students are selected for this scholarship on a competitive basis. The scholarship aims to retain academically distinguished students at QU, and the student is exempted from tuition fees.QU scholarships are divided into two parts: competitive scholarships and non-competitive scholarships. Competitive scholarships include admission scholarships for gifted students and academic scholarships, which include admission scholarships for excellence, admission scholarships for international students, His Highness the Amir’s scholarships for academic excellence, distinguished performance scholarships and scholarships for GCC embassies.Non-competitive scholarships include scholarships for children of the GCC citizens who have obtained Qatari high school diplomas, and scholarships for children of QU employees. For more information visit: https://www.qu.edu.qa/sites/ar_QA/about/newsroom/student-affairs-2024There are other scholarships that include short scholarships to study the Arabic language for non-native speakers, and scholarships for diploma programmes in the College of Education. The university offers an admission scholarship to new and academically outstanding students residing in Qatar who wish to enroll in bachelor’s majors. The applicant should submit the scholarship application in person during the announced application period. Applicants for this scholarship are selected on a competitive basis.

Al Jazeera Documentary has announced the screening of the film “Black Bicycles Dreams” on its screen soon. The film, which will continue its journey at international festivals during 2024, monitors Eritrean Biniam Girmay’s rise in the world of bicycle racing since he was 17 years old. He is 24 now.The film follows Girmay's journey with his favourite sport, and his dream of participating in the most important global race, and perhaps winning it. The film also monitors Girmay's life in his home country Eritrea, where many athletes excelled in cycling around the world, but none of them were able to win in the Tour de France.The film was produced by Time Escape, and Al Jazeera Documentary has been participating in its production since 2021. The film was selected to participate in the Dok.fest Munich and Belgian Docville festivals, as well as the MOVE Festival in the Netherlands.“The Tour de France”, which began in 1903, is an annual cycling race that is held in several stages, most of which are located within the borders of France. It is the most prestigious and important race among the three major global cycling races. The only non-European riders who have ever won the race are from the US and Colombia, thus highlighting the importance of Girmay's achievement.Girmay recently won the third stage in “The Tour de France,” becoming the first African winner in the history of the race, which began 121 years ago.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) Press announced on its Facebook account the launch of the Summer Book Club, a programme open to young readers between the ages of 8 and 10, which will be held from July 14 to 18 in Arabic or English.This comes within the framework of the publishing house’s encouragement of reading enthusiasts everywhere to take advantage of the opportunity this summer season and enjoy a number of its wonderful new publications, and to meet the passion of the reading public. The Summer Book Club will provide new books that satisfy readers from all walks of life and age groups.Coinciding with the summer vacations for students, which gives them more leisure time. Books intended for young people are witnessing rapid growth among the house’s publications, which is expanding to publish more books for this category.In order to satisfy the yearning of those who love adventure and suspense, and to encourage them to continue reading and writing during vacation times to maintain the advanced levels they reach in reading and writing skills. HBKU Press continues to provide a diverse range of books for children and adolescents of all ages, in various categories, from fairy tales to accessible educational books that support the curriculum and learning skills. HBKU Press seeks to provide a safe, productive summer vacation full of learning and creativity. It looks forward to readers enjoying this summer's comprehensive range of books, and also expects them to write their own stories.

The Qatar Fine Arts Society opened Wednesday a permanent exhibition titled “Qatari Fine Art,” at its headquarters in Katara - Cultural Village, in Building 19, Hall 2.The exhibits range between trends, visions, artistic contents, different schools, works and experiments. The artists have dabbled in realism, abstraction, impressionism, and surrealism. Where each artist participates with his experience and distinct artistic style, using his visual language and different technical materials, whether oil, acrylic, or from the arts of printing, graphics, ceramics, and woolen thread.The exhibition will bring together a group of Qatari visual artists to reflect their creative visions and different artistic schools of abstraction, realism and impressionism. As well as expressionism and surrealism, which will constitute a valuable opportunity to highlight the creative capabilities of Qatari artists through their new works that reflect new horizons of innovation and creativity through the use of colour, technology and ideas.The exhibition comes within the framework of the association’s keenness to continue presenting various exhibitions with the aim of supplying the Qatari art scene with distinguished artistic works, focusing on the most important experiences and displaying artistic works belonging to different generations.

The Qatar Press Center organised the 3rd session of the Press Café sessions on Tuesday which hosted the Palestinian content creator Ramadan Abu Jazar, 'the Little Al-Khwarizmi.'Ramadan, the ambassador of the Gazan child, is talented in reciting poetry and prose, rhetoric. Jazar's father, Mahmoud, and a child Walid, as well as a group of writers, media professionals, and content makers participated in the event.In the seminar that was moderated by Amal Abdul Malik, Ramadan spoke about the role of Qatar in supporting the Palestinian cause, and the ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach a permanent ceasefire, facilitate the entry of aid. Qatar also arranges treatment in Doha for many of those wounded in the aggression, all the while remaining in solidarity with the people of Gaza, Ramadan said.He explained that his childhood was violated due to the war of extermination waged by the Israeli occupation army, and their school bags no longer held their books and notebooks, but rather became mobile lockers that held their identification papers.Ramadan Abu Jazar spoke about the state of fear and panic that he and all the children of Gaza have been living in since last October 7. Especially when hearing the sound of an explosion followed by another, wondering to himself: Are me and my family the next target? Or will God grant him a lifetime to complete his mission in supporting the Palestinian cause and conveying the voice of the people of Gaza to the world."I am one of the children whom God destined to come to life under the sounds of bombing, explosions, and the smell of gunpowder. My mother’s labour came during the displacement of my parents from one place to another during the Israeli aggression on Gaza in 2014, but these circumstances made my parents take upon themselves the responsibility of raising a great human being, a leader, and a preacher. I began memorising the Holy Qur’an at the age of two years, and at the age of two and a half years, I delivered a sermon on Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Destiny) that impressed everyone who heard it, given my young age. Since then, my passion for reading has doubled." he said.He stressed that the ongoing Israeli aggression against Gaza does not differentiate between a child, a young person, or an elderly person, as the people of Gaza are suffering from famine, displacement, and genocide. He said: “We used to spend long hours in queues to get a sip of water. The humanitarian relief and medical aid that enters Gaza are very little. It does not reach all areas, and does not meet our needs, so firewood was used instead of gas and shrouds instead of medicines. After the closure of the Rafah crossing, anyone who owned a can of beans or chickpeas became as if he owned the world. With the escalation of famine and the scarcity of clean water, we were forced to drink water that was not suitable for drinking.Ramadan indicated that during the aggression, he wrote a book titled “A Biography of Childhood and Heroism” in schools designated to be shelters of the displaced people of Gaza to escape the Israeli bombing, as a testimony to the tragedy of the people of Gaza under the bombing and siege.

The Nomas Centre, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, is organising a trip to Norway, under the theme 'Science, Literature, and the Company of Majid, for boys aged 10 -15.During the trip participants will learn about the history and cultural heritage of Norway.The trip, in which a group of the centre's affiliates and staff will participate, will take place from August 23-30, the Nomas Centre announced on its Instagram account.The trip is aimed at building bridges of human and cultural communication, instill the principles of national identity, and discover the talents of young people, in addition to training young people on the importance of teamwork.The Nomas Centre holds training courses that strengthen the national identity of young people.

The General Union of Arab Journalists announced, during its meeting Saturday, in Baghdad, that the permanent office had received a recommendation to accept membership of the Qatar Press Center (QPC) as a “full member” of the Union.This came during the union’s meeting headed by Muayyad al-Lami, President of the Union of Arab Journalists, and Head of the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate.During the meeting, Saad bin Mohammed al Rumaihi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the QPC, provided an explanation about the center, its statute, its role, mission and vision. He also reviewed the events, seminars, training courses and activities carried out by the centre. Pointing out that the center is a private institution for public benefit, aiming to contribute to the development of media and journalistic work, and to pay attention to the affairs of media professionals in accordance with Qatar National Vision 2030.Muayad al-Lami, President of the Union of Arab Journalists, invited the Chairman of the Center’s Board of Directors to visit Baghdad, to meet with members of the Union and learn about its activities and initiatives.During the visit, Saad bin Mohammed al Rumaihi met with many of the Arab media figures participating in the meeting, who welcomed him and praised the role of the Qatari media, and the interaction it has provided over many years in support of Arab issues, and the rights and freedoms of all journalists in the world.Al Rumaihi thanked Muayad al-Lami, and the brothers in the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate, for their generous hospitality and good organisation of this meeting, wishing them further success in serving the media and its professionals.

Qatar Photography Center announced the launch of summer courses, during which it will offer a group of various workshops. These workshops will begin next July 2 with a mobile product photography workshop, presented by trainer Maha al-Athba over two days, from 5:00-8:00pm, building 18, Katara. The course aims to introduce the use of different methods and appropriate settings for product photography. The participants will acquire different skills in this type of photography, and there will also be a theoretical and practical application to enable the participants to become familiar with the content of the program and achieve the goal of presenting it. During the coming period, the center will offer various workshops, including the basics of photography, the basics of lighting, videography, and the Photographers’ Gathering. The center announced on its Instagram account, for more information https://www.instagram.com/p/C8e_DXeMfhM/?hl=enThe Qatar Photography Center works to develop the photographic movement within the country, and to discover the creativity of Qatari youth in this field. This is carried out through the courses, workshops, competitions and photographic exhibitions that the center offers throughout the year. Our commitment remains strong and continuous to encourage photographers, raise their capabilities, and develop their artistic talents in photography.

HE Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Qatar National Archives (also known as Qatar Documentation House), reviewed the major role that the House plays in preserving the national memory and nourishing the cultural heritage of Qatar.HE Abdullah al-Attiyah stressed that preserving heritage and history is an imperative for every nation that cherishes its identity.HE al-Attiyah said: "The house, thanks to the high patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, is continuing to fulfil its noble mission of recording the history of Qatar and highlighting its rich heritage. As it represents a beacon by which the present is enlightened and inspired , the future aspirations are determined by it."His Excellency noted in a video broadcast by the House on its official account on the “x” platform that the Board of Trustees and all the House’s members are confident of achieving the goals in a reasonable period. Since the House is at the founding stage, this is a kind of challenge for all of its staff who are young Qataris who have the necessary desire and ambition to contribute more for the nation.The next plan will focus on enhancing communication and co-operation with all government agencies, citizens, and some residents who have lived in the country for more than 40 years to help collect the legacy, HE the chairman pointed out.

The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) is to perform Bernstein’s Westside Story symphony on June 22, from 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), Auditorium 3, it announced on its website.The QPO will be conducted by Hossein Pishkar and featuring the philharmonic’s own violinist Lionel Schmit. Maurice Ravel’s Rapsodie Espagnole, Tzigane- Rapsodie De Concert, Camille Saint-Saëns’ Introduction, Rondo Capriccioso in A Minor, and Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from 'West Side Story' are among the highlights. (More information at https://qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org/concert/bernsteins-westside-story/)The orchestra recently presented a concert of the greatest pop songs, re-arranged by a group of musicians under the supervision of executive vice president Dr Nasser Suhaim al-Jassem, and under the leadership of the Grammy-nominated conductor, Alistair Willis. It also showcased local talents selected from the “Nagham” competition organised by the Music Affairs Center of the Ministry of Culture.

The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) is to perform Bernstein’s Westside Story symphony on June 22, 2024 from 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), Auditorium 3, it announced on its website.The QPO will be conducted by Hossein Pishkar and featuring the philharmonic’s own violinist Lionel Schmit. Maurice Ravel’s Rapsodie Espagnole, Tzigane- Rapsodie De Concert, Camille Saint-Saëns’ Introduction, Rondo Capriccioso in A Minor, and Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from “West Side Story” are among the highlights. (More information here. )The orchestra recently presented a concert of the greatest pop songs, re-arranged by a group of musicians under the supervision of executive vice president Dr Nasser Suhaim al-Jassem, and under the leadership of the Grammy-nominated conductor, Alistair Willis. It also showcased local talents selected from the “Nagham” competition organised by the Music Affairs Center of the Ministry of Culture.

The Doha Theater Group held Tuesday the opening ceremony of its new headquarters in the Gharrafat Al-Rayyan area (Education City), on the third day of Eid al-Adha in the presence of an elite group of artists, media professionals and theatre lovers. Artist Ibrahim Mohamad al-Emadi, chairman of the Board of Directors of the troupe, confirmed that the opening of the new headquarters comes within the framework of the group’s continuous development efforts to provide its utmost in serving the theatrical movement in Doha.He revealed in a statement that the band intends to establish its own theatre and launch a special hall for lectures and rehearsals.Pointing out that the troupe has a group of texts that have been approved, as “Doha Theater Group” is vigourously preparing for the new season. He stressed: “The new headquarters is distinguished by its large spaces, which enable us to exploit these spaces in developing our theatrical activities. A special cultural library for the band was established, and the building also has a large outdoor courtyard to be a suitable place for theatrical activities in moderate weather. The group's administrative offices have also been expanded.”Regarding the group's future plans and strategy, al-Emadi said: “In the coming period, we intend to establish a special stage for the troupe on which we will present our performances to the public. It will also be a suitable place for training and theatrical rehearsals, in addition to building a lecture hall, as part of the troupe’s endeavours to provide a group of workshops and training, to qualify and discover theatrical talents.”On theatrical productions for the new season, al-Emadi added: “We currently have four texts that have been approved by the regulatory authorities, but we are awaiting the completion of renovation work of the Qatar National Theatre, as the arena suffers from the lack of a stage to present theatrical performances to the public. On the other hand, the troupe is working in full swing to prepare for the new theatrical season, to continue the success in the last edition of the Doha Theatre Festival.”

Al Jazeera Media Network presented the premiere of "Al-Shifa Hospital: The Crimes They Tried to Bury", at Vox Cinemas, Oasis-Msheireb, Doha to a packed audience on Wednesday.Among the viewers were dignitaries, diplomats, officials, journalists, social media influencers and nine doctors who were evacuated from Al Shifa Hospital.Produced by "Al Jazeera 360", the 44-minute film is a compelling documentary that investigates Israeli crimes within Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical complex in the Gaza Strip, from March 18 to April 1, 2024.The film provides a harrowing account of the incidents that took place during the Israeli aggression on Gaza, shedding light on the struggles faced by medical personnel and patients amidst the chaos.Through in-depth interviews, first-hand testimonies, and chilling footage, the documentary uncovers the extent of the violence that breached the sanctity of a healthcare facility. It presents evidence of direct attacks on hospital premises, disruptions to medical services, and the dire consequences for the innocent civilians seeking refuge and treatment within its walls.The documentary serves as a stark reminder of the humanitarian laws designed to protect medical institutions and the severe repercussions when these laws are violated. Al-Shifa Hospital, a symbol of hope and healing, is depicted as a frontline witness to the brutality of war, raising critical questions about the protection of civilians in conflict zones. Al Jazeera's investigative journalism in this film aims to hold perpetrators accountable and bring international attention to the plight of those affected. The film's detailed and empathetic portrayal of the events at Al-Shifa Hospital calls for urgent action and underscores the necessity of safeguarding medical facilities in times of conflict.The film extensively documents testimonials exclusively from survivors who witnessed acts of killing, torture, starvation, and incarceration, vividly depicting the horrors they experienced.It highlights how medical personnel and local people were ordered to bury victims in mass graves on hospital grounds. Later, the occupation forces desecrated these graves with bulldozers, crushing the corpses within, just as they had done with the victims scattered on the streets.The film documents interviews with witnesses in the immediate aftermath of the siege. The film’s producers gathered testimonials from hospital staff, patients and nearby residents who witnessed the 14-day siege of the medical centre and the atrocities committed against the patients and the civilian population, in addition to indiscriminate bombardment and the levelling down of building blocks on their inhabitants in the close vicinity of the hospital.Abdullah Khadra, a resident next to Al-Shifaa Hospital and who has been evacuated to Qatar, attended the film and said: “Since the attacks in 2008, 2014, 2016, and in 2024 the enemy was lying about Al Shifaa Hospital being Hamas headquarters, until we saw the reality as shown in the film. Al Shifa represents human memory in Gaza, as it is the place of births and deaths. Targeting it is targeting the Palestinian press narrative.”Noted Gaza journalist Wael al-Dahdouh in a short documentary shown after the film said about the horrors and the atrocities that were perpetrated by the occupation in the medical complex: “This is a drop of blood in an ocean of blood.”On the sidelines of the screening of the film, Gulf Times spoke to the film producer and director, Ubadah al-Baghdadi who said: “The documentary film is based on eyewitness accounts of the recent massacre that took place in Al-Shifa Hospital. It is about some testimonies that document what the Israeli occupation was trying to obscure through the last siege of the Al Shifa Hospital. The heroes of the film are eyewitnesses who were in and around Al Shifaa Hospital, including doctors, nurses."The film is purely humanitarian and does not contain a lot of archives. It was filmed in and around Al Shifaa Hospital. We took the witnesses back to the scene of the events and sought to bring out once again their memories and the moments they lived during that siege. The scenes and events were filmed in the same places where the crimes and horrors took place.”He stated: “As for filming, we found only one camera in northern Gaza, where the hospital is located. There is a major siege in the north. There were difficulties in filming and even in downloading materials and sending them to us. But the crew there are the real heroes who made that film. We shot the film with one camera, and there was even a cut in the lens, and there was no good equipment .”About the difficulties encountered, he said: “Of course, there was difficulty in convincing the eyewitnesses to return to the place where they had painful memories, but this was a point of strength in refreshing their memories and getting their emotional integration again, so this was a strong point of the film.”Jamalulddin El-Shayyal, manager of content strategy, Director of the Al Jazeera 360 platform, spoke to Gulf Times and said: “We took this film as a professional and ethical duty for us on the platform to document what is happening because we see that we are living in a state of war of narratives. The first duty of journalists and media professionals is to convey the truth, despite attempts to conceal it, and not just to obscure the truth, but to change it. We are unfortunately watching a genocidal war live through mobile phones, social media platforms, while the world is just watching. There are some forces that are trying to change what is happening.” He remarked: “We see an extermination or massacre called a rescue operation. We see hospitals targeted as strongholds for militants. For us, Al Shifaa Hospital is not only a symbol of life in the Gaza Strip, but it was of great importance to journalists.”El-Shayyal added: “Over the past 15 years, whenever there has been an Israeli aggression or war against the Gaza Strip, it has always targeted Al Shifaa. As for journalists, they always went there to convey the truth about the suffering of the Palestinian people due to the crimes of the occupation that happened to them. It was sometimes their only shelter in the middle of the Gaza Strip.”Concerning its dissemination, he said: “We translated this film into 7 languages, including English, French, Spanish, Portuguese and German; of course it is in Arabic and dubbed in English. It will be published on YouTube, on the Al Jazeera 360 YouTube pages, and shorter clips of it on other platforms."Of course, when the Al Jazeera 360 platform will be launched in September 2024, which we hope will overcome the algorithms of existing social media platforms and their concealment of the truth. It will be published on this platform for the Arab viewers, and viewers around the world will have complete freedom to reach the truth.”

The Ministry of Culture organised an open dialogue about the Doha Theater Festival (DTF), which concluded its activities recently.Dr Marzouq Bashir bin Marzouq, professor of drama theories at the Community College, and Jordanian critic Rashid Malhas spoke. It was attended by Abdul Rahman al-Dulaimi, director of the Department of Culture and Arts, and Abdul Rahim al-Siddiqi, director of the Center for Social Affairs, and a group of theatre artists who participated in the festival’s activities.Dr Marzouk Bashir discussed the role of science and objective artistic criticism in evaluating theatrical movement. He pointed out that systematic scientific analysis is almost missing in the Qatari theatre, which extends to fifty years. He also pointed out that lack of an objective scientific method for evaluating theatrical movement raises an important question about the achievements over these years. Were they real, or just individual achievements?He explained that theatre in general, and since its inception, has been based on a scientific methodology, stressing the importance of artistic talent, “but this does not mean ignoring the role of science.”He said that “the first scientific theory of drama was developed three thousand years ago. It continued to develop throughout the ages, until art schools appeared and thousands of universities were established all over the world, including our region. There is the Institute of Dramatic Arts in Kuwait, and the Sharjah Academy of Arts.” He expressed his hope that scientific theory and methodology would prevail in the Qatari theatrical movement.Bashir pointed out that the art scene lacks a correct critical movement, explaining that over the years there has been no objective analytical criticism, especially in the Qatari press. Confirming that this absence harms the theatrical movement, as many playwrights built their artistic existence on illusion, not truth. He said that at the academic level there are no universities that teach dramatic artistic criticism, and that the literary criticism that is studied at Qatar University is different from applied artistic criticism.Jordanian critic Rashid Malhas said the Arab theatre, not just Qatari theatre, suffers from a text crisis. It is not the lack of texts but also their quality. Pointing out that during the DTF, a group of local texts were identified, the levels of which varied between excellent and acceptable. He described the Qatari theatre as “fine and in very good health and needing some vitamins to become excellent.”He also stressed the need to enhance the capabilities of playwrights, motivate writers and poets to write for the theatre, and to organise lectures and workshops related to playwriting, and to supply the theatre library with translations of international texts.Malhas called for opening dialogues between Qatari directors and theatre groups that would lead to the implementation of at least one work annually that unites everyone. Plus other dialogues and workshops between them and directors from Arab and foreign countries that might lead to applied experimental performances. This should go together with holding courses in sound and theatrical movement and musical appreciation for professional, novice and amateur actors, to promote their performing skills.He also stressed the need to work on the sustainability of the theatrical movement by implementing performances throughout the year that the theatre groups take turns performing.