The Doha Film Institute (DFI) is set to launch a series of virtual workshops aimed at developing the storytelling skills of young and aspiring filmmakers and enthusiasts in the country, it was announced.
Such initiative forms part of DFI’s ‘Youth Summer Camp’, which consists of three classes designed for 8-17 year old participants mentored by internationally renowned artists and filmmakers.
“Each of our three workshops are centred on the values of the Ajyal Film Festival and follow a close curriculum and philosophy of active learning – leading up to our ever-popular Ajyal Jury Programme later this year,” said DFI.
Between June 28 and July 18, DFI will conduct the “Animated Stories Summer Camp” for beginners (aged 8-10) described as “an exciting journey from the basics of storytelling to modern animation.”
This class will teach participants “how to develop an idea into a compelling narrative and produce their own short animation” through discussions, presentation of animated films and practical exercises.
Animator, writer and director Fadi Syriani will serve as mentor for this workshop, scheduled from 3pm to 4pm every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Next is the “Photography and Visual Arts Summer Camp” for aged intermediate (aged 11-13), which focuses on exploring visual storytelling and photography.
“During this inspiring workshop, participants will learn all about the theoretical basis of image composition and sketching visual stories to help them gain a deeper insight into different types of cinematography,” DFI said. “Engaging in hands-on photography, each student will produce their own content for an e-book that members of the class will collectively conceptualise.”
Scheduled from July 5 to July 30 between 4.30pm and 6pm, classes will take place every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Mentors are Jordanian-Texan photographer Tanya Habjouqa (Noor Images) and multidisciplinary artist Bayan Dahdah.
The third workshop, titled “Contribute to Your Own Film Summer Camp”, takes participants (aged 14-17) to “the exciting world of documentary filmmaking.”
“This thought-provoking workshop is a well-rounded introduction to the essential tools of filmmaking. Through hands-on and enjoyable exercises participants will learn all the technical and practical techniques required to make a documentary film, starting with the basic elements of narrative development and visual storytelling - to the actual production of the story,” DFI said.
“During the workshop, students will work individually on their stories and film at home to contribute to a final collective film produced by the class as a whole,” DFI added.
Classes will take place every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from June 28 to July 30 between 10am and 12noon under the mentorship of Marcus Zaiser, who has been in filmmaking since 1998 and took part in over 100 productions during this period.
DFI Summer Youth Camp to be mentored by internationally renowned artists and filmmakers.
