Filmmakers from the 12 Qatar based projects at Qumra 2017
Talents based in Qatar yesterday highlighted the role that Qumra, the industry event by the Doha Film Institute, plays in opening new doors of opportunity for their projects, especially in facilitating networking opportunities with international film experts.
At a special session, directors and producers of projects by Qataris and those who call Qatar home, applauded the initiative for making a tangible difference to their projects covering all aspects of film production — from script consultation to networking and international film festival outreach.
The third edition of Qumra has chosen 12 projects by Qatar-based talent including five feature narratives and seven shorts that are currently in development. The line-up includes three projects supported through the Institute’s Qatari Film Fund.
Additionally, five films by Qatari directors were screened in the New Voices Shorts programme of Qumra, all of which were also supported by the DFI through year-round initiatives. These included: Kashta by A.J. Al Thani; I Have Been Watching You All Along by Rawda Al-Thani; Turtles Are Always Home by Rawane Nassif; RED by Kholood Mohammed Al-Ali and Our Time Is Running Out by Meriem Mesraoua.
Fatma Al Remaihi, Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute, said: “I am exceptionally delighted with the projects by our talented emerging filmmakers in Qatar. These films represent the voices of our community by our community. They present different perspectives – and highlight the creative evolution and growth of our filmmaking community. “In many ways, the screenings exemplify the Doha Film institute’s work year-round in nurturing emerging talents from Qatar and the wider region. We are setting the platform for a credible, strong and sustainable regional film industry, through training and development programmes, film financing initiatives including Qatar Film Fund and DFI Grants and film exhibition platforms of Ajyal Youth Film Festival and Qumra.”
Rawda Al Thani’s short Reem Planted a Flower is a Qumra Project; she said: “It is amazing to have this opportunity to develop my film through Qumra. The workshops and Master classes helped me have better understanding on filmmaking.”
Reem Planted a Flower by Rawda Al Thani (Qatar) depicts a textbook example of a well-behaved schoolgirl who defies the omnipresent voice of the narrator to play with a dog. Another short by Rawda, I Have Been Watching You All Along was also screened in the New Voices Shorts programme at Qumra.
Mahdi Ali Ali’s Feature Narrative project under development, iPhone Memory, presents three stories that intersect in Paris – about a Frenchman, who battles cancer while his wife wants an abortion. He said: “The support from DFI and Qumra is very important to make a film of high standards. Qumra is a rare chance to have the mentorship of such experts to help you move to the next level.”
Fahad Al Kuwari, who is making a short film Angels, Spiders and other Miserable Creatures, said: “It is very important for us as filmmakers to interact with experts and industry professionals. Qumra serves as a productive time spent with all colleagues as we share insights and experiences. Thanks to Qumra, we are now able to curate our projects in a better way.”
