Photo credit: Doha Film Institute Twitter
Doha Film Institute (DFI) has announced it will conduct a monthly lecture series on film classics starting from February 24 with Fritz Lang’s “M.”
The “Watching the Classics” series is an online programme where filmmakers and cinephiles can deepen their knowledge of film history. It will be presented by renowned scholar Richard Peña, Professor of Film Studies at Columbia University and Director Emeritus of the New York Film Festival.
The series of lectures and discussions each focuses on an undisputed world cinema classic. Professor Peña will present a given film within its aesthetic, economic, technological and social or political context, detailing each director’s formal techniques while teasing out the implications of these artistic and technical decisions.
“To get the most from the programme, participants are recommended to view the films before each session and all are readily available through various popular streaming services. During the lecture, select images and clips will be included for discussion and participants will be able to send Professor Peña questions, which will be addressed at the end of each session,” DFI said.
Fritz Lang’s “M” is a German thriller film released in 1931 which is his first sound film. Lang and his wife, Thea von Harbou decided to dramatise the search for a serial killer of children, based on accounts of several prominent cases. The frenzy to find the killer reaches a fever pitch as even the criminal underworld sets up its own investigation.
The expanded “Watching the Classics” will explore a wide-range series of international cinematic landmarks, in addition to exploring the idea of “classical narrative” in several contexts.
Among the topics to be explored each week include: the transition of sound cinema which will be discussed on February 24; the increasing role of governments in film production, the impact of World War II, and the impact of notions of “realism” and “modernism” on filmmakers and audiences.
The online lecture will take place from 5.40pm to 7.30pm. Individuals who are interested may register via DFI’s website, Fee for each session is QR70, however, for Qatar Museums Culture Pass, the fee is QR56 as they receive a 20 percent discount on this lab’s fee.
The programme is open to applicants over the age of 18 and are best suited for those with some knowledge of filmmaking and who wish to expand their film history understanding.
The sessions will take place on the last Thursday of every month, except in March during Qumra and November during Ajyal Film Festival.
