DOHA: Doha Film Institute’s (DFI) inaugural ‘Focus on Qatar’ showcase opens tomorrow with the screening of Qatar’s first feature-length film Clockwise at Museum of Islamic Art (MIA).
Released in 2010, the film was the feature debut of Khalifa Al Muraikhi.
It relates the folktale of how fijiri, the entrancing music of Khaleeji pearl drivers came to be.
Clockwise had its world premiere in Doha as part of Qatar’s Arab Capital of Culture celebrations in 2010 and was screened at regional and international film festivals.
Its screening at ‘Focus on Qatar’ will celebrate the fifth anniversary of the film’s release and will be preceded by an overview of the history of cinema in Qatar.
The three-day event includes screenings and industry panels to put the spotlight on home-grown talent and celebrate filmmakers who have made an impact on Qatar’s film culture over the past five years. It also includes screenings as part of ‘Next Generation Short Film Programme’ and ‘Innovation Films Showcase’.
The short film programme on Thursday comprises films from independent filmmakers that have emerged in Qatar over the last five years.
They include 10%; Temsah; Attack of the Health Invaders; Amreeka Laa; Al-Kora; My Hero; The Racer; My Grandfather’s Past Through My Eyes; Molokhiaphobia!; Old Airport Road; and Land of Pearls.
The Innovation Films Showcase on Friday highlights the achievements of Qatari production company, Innovation Films. Films to be screened include Lockdown: Red Moon Escape; Bidoon; T-Boy; and I.
The industry programme on Thursday and Friday brings together Qatari filmmakers and local industry professionals for two curated events: ‘Meet the Production Houses’ and a panel, ‘How to Distribute Your Film’.
The Peninsula
