Exciting times ahead for film fans in Qatar

Doha Film Institute (DFI), the apex body that brings together all of Qatar’s various film initiatives under a single banner, has come a long way in just four years.

Though Qatar did not have a film culture, before DFI was established by HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, now the situation is totally different.

DFI’s mission, dedicated to film appreciation, education, and building a dynamic movie industry in Qatar that focuses on nurturing regional storytellers while being entirely global in its scope, has made an indelible impact.

With culture, community, education and entertainment at its foundation, DFI serves as an all-encompassing film hub in Doha, as well as a resource for the region and the rest of the world.

DFI believes in the power of film to change hearts and minds, and its motto reflects the sentiment that “Film is Life”.

After bringing the curtain down on four eventful years of Doha Tribeca Film Festival, DFI has announced in Cannes the launch of two new film festivals, Ajyal and Qumra, aimed at supporting emerging directors and promoting cinema appreciation.

This is a welcome initiative that would go a long way in nurturing further a film culture in the country and the region as a whole, apart from offering a window to the world in general.

Films from first- and second-time directors are the focus of the Qumra, the inaugural episode of which is to take place in March next year and will include international competition sections for feature-length and short films.

The Ajyal, with the first edition scheduled for November this year, is described as a film festival for the young and a community-based event aiming to promote movie appreciation among families and educators.

The objective behind the two new initiatives is to harness the momentum DFI has generated and continue developing film appreciation in Qatar.

DFI has also decided to focus on emerging filmmakers and expand its competitions to include films from around the world.

The eight-day Qumra festival will have, at its heart, international competitions in various categories.

Out-of-competition sections include a panorama of films from contemporary auteurs, established directors and new talent and a tribute that pays homage to the contributions of significant figures to the history of world cinema.

The Qumra will also provide a golden opportunity to see the first films of celebrated filmmakers.  

The five-day Ajyal Film Festival will build on DFI’s history of community-based programming, bringing generations together and offering them film-related activities and events that will inspire creative interaction.

Exciting times are ahead, given the ambitious plans of the DFI.