DFI to Screen 4 films by Qatar, GCC Filmmakers

Doha, July 28 (QNA) - Doha Film Institute (DFI) is presenting a showcase of four short films by Qatar and GCC filmmakers on July 30 and 31 at the Museum of Islamic Art as part of its quarterly Hekayat Khaleejiya screenings that highlight contemporary cinematic voices from the region. The screenings will be followed by interactive Q and A sessions with the filmmakers and talents associated with the movies as part of DFI's commitment to supporting emerging filmmakers and promoting cinema appreciation. "We are delighted to present this collection of quality films from the Gulf region to Qatari film-goers. Supporting talent from our region is central to everything we do at the Doha Film Institute and connecting filmmakers with audiences is an integral part of that support," said DFI CEO Fatma Al Remaihi. "Through the Hekayat Khaleejiya series we provide an opportunity to experience these works on the big screen as well as a dynamic forum where audience members can speak with members of the cast and crew about their creative process," she added. The July screenings include Qatari director Ali Al Anssari's Qarar (Qatar, 2014), which received special mention at the Made in Qatar awards at Ajyal Youth Film Festival 2014 for its "consummate technical proficiency in cinematography, direction, acting and special effects." A science fiction short, Qarar narrates the suspenseful tale of a young married couple trying to survive an epidemic that has turned the population of Doha into zombies. The director and lead actor Mohammed Sharif will attend the Q and A session after the screening. Chai Haleeb (Kuwait, 2013), directed by Mishal Al Hulail charts the journey of Ahmed who is retracing his missing father Nasser's movements, beginning at the restaurant where he has breakfast every morning. Ahmed soon discovers that his retiree father has been selling residence permits. The search soon leads Ahmed to Nasser's accessory Farouq, and the unlikely duo embarks on a hilarious quest around Kuwait City to find the missing older man. Curiously, an unsolicited cup of milk tea awaits the men at their every destination. The third film to be screened is Koshk (United Arab Emirates, 2014), which is directed by Abdulla Al Kaabi, who is noted for his debut short film, The Philosopher starring Jean Reno. Koshk depicts the story of an abandoned mother who faints while carrying wood only to be saved by a traveler who resembles her own son. She invites him to her tent and goes to fetch him some food only to find her kindness repaid with theft. Koshk is a story of how far a mother would go to comfort her own seclusion. Producer Kambiz Safari will address the audience following the screening. The fourth film in the showcase is Bosala (Saudi Arabia, 2015), directed by Mujtaba Saeed. It is about Noura Al-Ahmad, a graduate student, who is asked by the Saudi Student Cultural Association to live with her husband, Mashaal, during her stay at the University of Berlin. Mashaal, however, raises a controversy while he is there. Mujtaba and the film's screenwriter Ali Saeed will be in attendance to answer questions on the film. Qarar, Chai Haleeb and Bosala are in Arabic with English subtitles, while Koshk is in Farsi with Arabic with English subtitles. The films will be screened from 7.00 p.m. on July 30 and 31. DFI is an independent, not-for-profit cultural organization that supports the growth of the local film community through cultivating film appreciation, enhancing industry knowledge and contributing to the development of sustainable creative industries in Qatar. Its platforms include funding and production of local, regional and international films; skills-sharing and mentorship programs; film screenings; the Ajyal Youth Film Festival; and Qumra. With culture, community, learning and entertainment at its foundation, DFI is committed to supporting Qatar National Vision 2030 for the development of a knowledge-based economy. (END)