‘Qatar’s film industry secures place on world stage’

Doha, The Gulf Observer: The country’s burgeoning film and creative industry has established Qatar on the world stage, thanks to the homegrown talent driving this new wave of change.

This was according to Doha Film Institute (DFI) CEO, Fatma Hassan Alremaihi in her speech during the institute’s Ramadan Gabqa held on Sunday for the creative community in the country.

“We are here to celebrate the thriving film and creative industry in Qatar. All of you here are our homegrown talents have led the wave of change and have immensely contributed to the growth of the creative industry through your dedication and passion,” Alremaihi said to filmmakers, artists, and guests at the event held at Mandarin Oriental at Msheireb Downtown Doha.

She said DFI is dedicated to fostering the artistic endeavours of Qatari talents who move the globe with their prowess, narrative, and distinctive methods of filmmaking.

The event included an outdoor LED screen that projected posters and still photos from films made by local artists mentored and supported by DFI through its various initiatives such as film financing, Qumra, and training and development programmes.

“Revisiting your films through these images, I felt so much pride and I was so happy and delighted to witness the success of Qatar’s creative community that we have nurtured and developed for the past 14 years.”

Among the films that Alremaihi was referring to are “10%” by Yousef Al Madadi, “Maryam” by Zainab Mohammed Ayon, “9956” by Zaki Hussain, and “F-57” by Abdulanaser Hassan Al Yafei.

Other films are “Ya Hoota” by Abdulaziz Yousif and Latifa Al Darwish, “The Unlucky Hamster” by Abdulaziz Khashabi, “Hope” by Abdulla Al Janahi, “Caravan” by Suzannah Mirghani, and “The Waiting Room” by Hend Fakhroo, to name some.

The CEO expressed her gratitude to each filmmaker and artist, noting that their commitment and viewpoint had brought Qatar’s creative industry on the map and secured a place in the global stage. “You’re truly the voice of the generation for the coming generations.” Alremaihi then urged the artists to continue their hard work and creativity in telling their authentic stories, and she assured that DFI will support in their creative journey.

The Ramadan Ghabqa event was attended by Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy Secretary General, Hassan Al Thawadi, several officials from the DFI, Qatar Museums, along with other government officials and personalities.

The Doha Film Institute is committed to fostering film appreciation, education, and the development of a dynamic film industry in Qatar that focuses on nurturing regional storytellers while being entirely global in its scope.