DFI Cinema to screen films celebrating paternal relationships

The Doha Film Institute (DFI) Cinema will present a selection of acclaimed international films that celebrate paternal relationships with a specially curated ‘Fathers Through the Lens’ selection of screenings from today (April 26-29) at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Auditorium. DFI CEO Fatma al-Remaihi said ‘Fathers Through the Lens’ features a collection of five films, including winners of international awards, by acclaimed directors. Each film presents a captivating narrative that highlights familial bonding that will appeal to all. “The screening is part of our year-round initiative to present inspiring films that demonstrate the power of storytelling and strengthen appreciation of quality films,” she added. ‘Fathers Through the Lens’ will commence with the screening of Wajib (Palestine, France, Qatar, Norway/2017) on April 26 at 7pm. The film’s director, Annemarie Jacir, producer Ossama Bawardi and actor Mohamed Bakri will be in attendance for an intro and post-screening question and answer session. The film revolves around Shadi, who returns to his hometown to help his father hand-deliver his sister’s wedding invitations. He has spent the last several years abroad and there is little he misses about this place he left a long time ago. Le Grande Voyage (France, Morocco, Bulgaria, Turkey/2004) directed by Ismael Ferroukhi, will be screened on April 27 at 7pm.It charts the journey of Reda, a young French man, who agrees to accompany his elderly Moroccan father on the Haj. On April 28 at 4pm, Fantastic Mr Fox (USA/2009) directed by Wes Anderson was based on the beloved book by Roald Dahl — the story of Mr and Mrs Fox who live an idyllic home life with their son Ash and visiting young nephew Kristopherson. Like Father, Like Son (Japan/2013) directed by Hirokazu Kore-Eda will also be screened on April 28 at 7pm. The film is about Ryota, a successful Tokyo architect who works long hours to provide for his wife, Midori and six-year-old son, Keita. Directed by Qumra Master Andrey Zvyagintsev, The Return (Russia/2003) will be screened on April 29 at 7pm.  Winner of the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, the film is about inseparable, if occasionally difficult, young Ivan and his elder brother Andrei, who are shocked and excited when their father, who has not been home for 12 years returns out of the blue. Tickets are priced QR35 per person; students and holders of Culture Pass by Qatar Museums can purchase at a discounted rate of QR25. A package, priced QR75, will provide access to all five screenings and can be purchased online at www.dohafilminstitute.com. Tickets are available from April 26 to 29 at MIA’s DFI ticket outlet across from the auditorium from 9am to 8pm on Friday from 2pm to 8pm or online round-the-clock at www.dohafilminstitute.com.