Doha - The Qumra 2021 program, which will be organized virtually by the Doha Film Institute (DFI) from March 12-17, will present 48 selected projects from 21 countries as part of DFI's mission to nurture the success of filmmakers from the region and beyond and prepare them to bring their projects to audiences around the world.
Over the past seven years, Qumra has been a one-of-a-kind professional incubator crucial to the success of filmmakers from the Arab world and beyond.
Legendary French auteur Claire Denis, BAFTA and Academy Award nominated cinematographer Phedon Papamichael, internationally celebrated director and Cannes veteran James Gray, Silver Lion winning film director and screenwriter Jessica Hausner and Academy Award winning sound designer Mark Mangini re-confirmed their commitments as Qumra Masters for the 2021 online edition of Doha Film Institute's event dedicated to supporting important new voices from the Arab and world cinema.
Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute, said: "Qumra is an extremely important event for our community and participants, and is crucial for the success of the selected projects who represent some of the most promising names in world cinema. The Institute is extremely grateful to our Qumra Masters, filmmakers and industry participants for their passion and contribution to our commitment to reshape the global storytelling landscape and empower emerging voices during this period of new challenges.
"With mentorship and guidance from these creative visionaries, participating filmmakers gain the unique opportunity to further enhance their craft and to transform inspired stories into award-winning masterpieces. Now in it's biggest, most innovative new format that enables access from anywhere in the world, we look forward to supporting tomorrow's most promising talent and sharing their work with our continuously growing Qumra global community."
Doha Film Institute Artistic Advisor and filmmaker, Elia Suleiman, said: "The true test of powerful storytelling lies in its ability to transgress all limitations, and we are indebted to the Qumra Masters for the power of their vision to transcend physical boundaries and inspire this year's participants to boldly redefine global storytelling."
Continuing the Institute's commitment to support promising talent in evolving forms of creativity and new possibilities, Qumra 2021 includes sessions dedicated to exploring and developing fresh new projects from the region.
This year's event features 19 projects by Qatar-based talent, including 12 by Qatari nationals. A total of 48 projects, including Series Projects in various stages of development, will participate. Of these projects, 39 are recipients of the Doha Film Institute's Grants program and the Qatari Film Fund.
In all,15 feature projects are in the development stage, 15 feature projects in post-production, 6 TV and web Series Projects in Development, and 12 Shorts Projects (in Development and Post-Production).
