The filmmakers are participating in a series of targeted workshops, networking events and industry meetings at the event.
Young Qatari directors Amna al-Binali and Jassim al-Rumaihi have had the opportunity to connect with peers from the global entertainment industry and learn from some of the world’s most prominent film experts at the international gathering.
During the week-long educational programme, the duo took part in workshops, script development advisory sessions and one-on-one meetings, in addition to attending the screenings of the most-awaited films from across the world.
Fatma al-Remaihi, CEO of DFI, said: “The networking sessions and screenings at Cannes will help the participants gain deep insights into the newest trends in filmmaking.”
Al-Binali’s ‘The Notebook’ had won Special Mention in the documentary category at Ajyal Youth Film Festival 2015. It is a diarist film that explores the limits of personal boundaries and the complicated dynamics of inner lives through the life of Nora, who is trying to make a film for the first time.
She is currently developing ‘The World is Blue’, which was selected for Qumra this year. “It truly is an honour to participate at the Cannes Film Festival and showcase my film in the reputed Short Film Corner,” said al-Binali.
Al-Rumaihi’s ‘The Palm Tree’ won the Best Documentary Film at Ajyal Youth Film Festival 2015 and was also the opening film for the Emerging Voices segment of Qumra 2016. It is an observational documentary that shows how unnatural nature can be and unearths the science fiction in reality.
Al-Rumaihi works as a reporter at Al Jazeera News channel, covering news from Tunisia to Nepal. He is currently working on ‘Amer: The Arabian Legend’, a documentary about one of Qatar’s most famous racehorses, which was selected for Qumra this year. “The visit to Cannes will enrich my understanding of world cinema that will add value to my own works,” he said.
As part of Qatar’s presence at Cannes 2016, DFI has presented a special Made in Qatar showcase of short films from Qatar at the Short Film Corner. The film line-up included ‘The Palm Tree’ by al-Rumaihi, ‘Asfoora’ by Mayar Hamdan, ‘Good as New’ by Jaser Alagha, ‘Yellow Nights’ by Abdullah al-Mulla, ‘The Notebook’ by al-Binali, ‘Light Sounds’ by Karem Kamal, ‘Veganize It’ by Khalid Salim, ‘To My Mother’ by Amina Ahmed al-Bloshi and ‘Inside Out’ by Fahad al-Obaidly.
