A still from film 'Behind the Mountains'
Doha, Qatar: The global stage is set for an extraordinary cinematic experience as the 80th Venice International Film Festival commences today at Venice Lido. Among the distinguished selection of films are five remarkable creations supported by the Doha Film Institute (DFI).
These films include “City of Wind,” “Bye Bye Tiberias,” “Behind the Mountains,” “Sea Salt,” and “Backstage.”
In a recent Instagram announcement, DFI expressed its pride in the selected films, highlighting the remarkable talent and dedication of its grantees in the international arena.
“Acknowledging this immense talent and dedication of our grantees as they step into the spotlight at the 80th edition [of] Venice Film Festival. This premiere continues to mark significant milestones in highlighting exceptional storytelling from the Arab world and Mongolia. Congratulations to our grantees for this well-deserved recognition. #Venezia80 #SupportArabCinema.”
The Venice International Film Festival is considered to be the world’s oldest film festival and one of the “Big Five” international film festivals worldwide. It will run from August 30 to September 9.
In “City of Wind,” director Lkhagvadulam Purev-Ochir immerses the audience in the life of Ze, a timid 17-year-old shaman living in modern Mongolia. The film intricately weaves Ze’s quest for success in a demanding society with his spiritual connection to his ancestral spirit, a juxtaposition that leads to a transformative encounter with Maralaa. This encounter profoundly alters Ze’s perspective forever.
Notably, “City of Wind” also earned a spot at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where it will be featured as part of the Centerpiece Programme. This prestigious platform celebrates the diversity of cinema and human experiences, and TIFF is scheduled to run from September 7 to 17.
“Bye Bye Tiberias,” directed by Lina Soualem, has also secured its place at TIFF and will have its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival. The documentary follows Hiam Abbass (Succession), who returns to her Palestinian village in France with her daughter, filmmaker Lina Soualem.
Their poignant story explores four generations of women and the shared legacy of separation, offering an intimate view of their lives.
“Behind the Mountains,” directed by Mohamed Ben Attia, tells the story of Rafik, who emerges from a four-year prison sentence with a single plan: to take his son on a journey to unveil a remarkable discovery. This film offers a portrayal of a man’s unbridled departure from societal norms and institutions, depicting a passionate rejection of a conformist world.
Leila Basma’s “Sea Salt,” a short film, is set to have its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival in the Official Orizzonti Short Film Competition. The film captures the dilemma faced by 17-year-old Nayla on a scorching summer day in Lebanon: the choice to leave or remain. With two influential men in her life, her decision takes an unexpected turn.
In a statement, Director Basma said: “Sea Salt is a love/hate letter to my hometown, in which I try to paint a local coming-of-age story, filled with first discoveries and life-changing decisions.” And “Backstage,” directed by Afef Ben Mahmoud and Khalil Benkirane is a film that follows the contemporary dance troupe “Without Borders” on their tour in Morocco, exploring the complex dynamics among the members as they encounter challenges and revelations during their journey.
