The Doha Film Institute (DFI) is to present the eighth session of the online programme, 'Watching the Classics' on October 25 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm (Doha Time). Screened on the occasion will be Ugetsu (1953), a 94-minute Japanese-language film directed by Kenji Mizoguchi. The programme is presented by renowned scholar Richard Pena – professor of film studies at Columbia University and director emeritus of the New York Film Festival. Each session focuses on a world cinema classic.
After registering, participants in Qatar may request an appointment to view the featured film at the DFI offices by e-mailing [email protected]
During the lecture, select images and clips from the film will be included for discussion, and participants will be able to send Pena questions, which will be addressed at the end of each session. It may be recalled that by 1939, Japan had the second-largest film industry in the world, yet its films were rarely seen outside of Japan or its overseas possessions.
That would radically change after the World War II (WWII) – the enormous international success of Akira Kurosawa’s Rashomon (1950) opened the floodgates for Japanese cinema to be seen and admired everywhere. Alongside Kurosawa was Mizoguchi, a veteran director dating back to the silent cinema whose special artistry could be said to have reached its apogee in the post-WWII period.
Based on a book of the same name first published in the 18th century, Ugetsu follows two peasants tempted by foolhardy dreams of wealth and military glory, causing havoc on their lives and their families. 'Watching the Classics' is open to applicants over 18. To register go to https://www.dohafilminstitute.com/education/watching-the-classics/watching-the-classics-session-8
After registering, participants in Qatar may request an appointment to view the featured film at the DFI offices by e-mailing [email protected]
During the lecture, select images and clips from the film will be included for discussion, and participants will be able to send Pena questions, which will be addressed at the end of each session. It may be recalled that by 1939, Japan had the second-largest film industry in the world, yet its films were rarely seen outside of Japan or its overseas possessions.
That would radically change after the World War II (WWII) – the enormous international success of Akira Kurosawa’s Rashomon (1950) opened the floodgates for Japanese cinema to be seen and admired everywhere. Alongside Kurosawa was Mizoguchi, a veteran director dating back to the silent cinema whose special artistry could be said to have reached its apogee in the post-WWII period.
Based on a book of the same name first published in the 18th century, Ugetsu follows two peasants tempted by foolhardy dreams of wealth and military glory, causing havoc on their lives and their families. 'Watching the Classics' is open to applicants over 18. To register go to https://www.dohafilminstitute.com/education/watching-the-classics/watching-the-classics-session-8