The fourth edition of Qumra has begun with a spectacular start showcasing reputed names in the world of cinema as well as promising young talents.
Films are not just a source of entertainment, they are also a powerful tool to build empathy and bring people together. One can feel this at this six-day annual industry event that is currently going on at Souq Waqif and the Museum of Islamic Art.
The event by the Doha Film Institute (DFI), brings together more than 150 acclaimed filmmakers, industry professionals and experts to nurture 34 Qumra Projects by first and second-time filmmakers from 25 countries that are in various stages of development. Qumra Projects by young filmmakers present compelling stories that need to be heard.
The Qumra 2018 industry events include workshops and meetings for first- and second-time filmmakers with international film industry experts in bespoke mentorship labs; the Qumra Master Classes, led by acclaimed industry professionals. It also includes Qumra Screenings of feature films presented by the Qumra Masters and recipients of funding from the Institute, followed by question-and-answer sessions; and the Qumra Talks.
There is a strong line up mentors this year to nurture young talents. This year, Qumra has six modern legends in cinema mentoring the young filmmakers in their role as Qumra Masters. They are: Oscar winning actor Tilda Swinton; Order of the British Empire, Oscar winning British costume designer Sandy Powell; Oscar nominated director Bennett Miller; Venice Golden Lion winning Russian director and writer Andrey Zvyagintsev; Cannes Palme dOr winning Thai filmmaker and visual artist Apichatpong Weerasethakul; and the only documentary director to win the Berlinale Golden Bear, Italian director Gianfranco Rosi.
The Qumra Pass is open for all citizens and residents in Qatar and the region and will provide them access to Qumra Master Classes, Qumra Screenings, and Qumra Talks.
The fourth edition of this event has received remarkable support, yet again, from leading local entities and global cultural and film organisations. Continuing their support to Qumra are Qatar Museums, MIA and Souq Waqif as the Cultural Partners of Qumra 2018, while the event is supported by Culture Pass, the Translation and Interpreting Institute (TII) and FNAC -the leading French Cultural store.
Holding such event not only provides opportunity to young filmmakers to learn from established and well know filmmakers and professionals but this also strengthens Qatar image in the world of global cinema.
