Cinema
Cinema may refer to:
Film
* Cinematography, the art of motion-picture photography
* Film or movie, a series of still images that create the illusion of a moving image
** Film industry, the technological and commercial institutions of filmmaking
* ...
in
Qatar
Qatar (, ; ar, قطر, Qaṭar ; local vernacular pronunciation: ), officially the State of Qatar,) is a country in Western Asia. It occupies the Qatar Peninsula on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East; it sh ...
is a relatively young industry that evolved as part of the country’s plans to develop different local sectors with the aim of accumulating international recognition and status. Many major steps were taken to implement a long-term plan to develop the infrastructure as well as giving opportunities to local talents to have a platform that establishes their presence within the film industry with the support of the
Doha Film Institute
Doha Film Institute (DFI) is a nonprofit cultural organisation established in 2010 by Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani to support the growth of the Qatari film community and to provide funding and international networking oppor ...
, and their various grants, workshops and festivals. The
Qatar National Vision 2030
Qatar National Vision 2030 ( ar, رؤية قطر الوطنية 2030; abbreviated as QNV 2030) is a development plan launched in October 2008 by the General Secretariat for Development Planning in the Qatar, State of Qatar. The aim of QNV 2030 is t ...
has three major pillars to development: human, social economic and environmental; this vision provides frameworks that enable the development of different elements within Qatar and its society; one of which is the high importance put on developing and cultivating artistic talents to represent and define Qatar on a global scale. Another important element in developing the movie industry is the influence and vision of
Sheikha Al Mayassa who founded Doha Film Institution; the establishment of film as a mode of storytelling was imperative because it serves the purpose of granting Qatar a global presence through the talents that are supported and cultivated because of her initiative. The film industry plays a role in amplifying the Qatari national identity alongside the identity of the
Arab world
The Arab world ( ar, اَلْعَالَمُ الْعَرَبِيُّ '), formally the Arab homeland ( '), also known as the Arab nation ( '), the Arabsphere, or the Arab states, refers to a vast group of countries, mainly located in Western A ...
as a whole.
Another important entity in cultivating and establishing the film industry in Qatar is the Culture, Arts and Heritage initiative under Qatar’s
Ministry of Foreign Affairs In many countries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the government department responsible for the state's diplomacy, bilateral, and multilateral relations affairs as well as for providing support for a country's citizens who are abroad. The entit ...
which has a strategy that aims to organize and encourage events that focus on providing a foundation for the youth of Qatar to utilize in improving their positioning within the culture. The ministry organizes events that revolve around advancing local talents; events such as lecture, as well as theatrical and musical troupes as well as providing access and grants to locals interested in pursuing a career in film.
The Doha Film Institute
![Doha Film Institute logo](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/66/Doha_Film_Institute_logo.png)
The
Doha Film Institute
Doha Film Institute (DFI) is a nonprofit cultural organisation established in 2010 by Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani to support the growth of the Qatari film community and to provide funding and international networking oppor ...
(DFI) is an independent production house that was founded in 2010 by her highness
Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. The company aims to contribute to the growth of the local film community in Qatar, and provides funding and production services for shorts and features of local, international, and regional films. Along with funding, the DFI aids the grantees with their pre-production, production, and post-production processes as well as mentors and educates filmmakers in and out of Qatar with the development of their films.
In addition to providing educational programs, workshops and information sessions, the institute is plannings to host more than 100 experts in the film industry to mentor ''Qumra'' projects. It also invests in film production by partnering with film projects and co-financing them, and its productions include a 3D animated film, a Grand Prix awarded film and a
Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is an art museum located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, on 53rd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
It plays a major role in developing and collecting modern art, and is often identified as one of ...
exhibited film.
Film Festivals
Doha Tribeca Film Festival
The ''Doha Tribeca Film Festival'' was an annual film festival held from 2009 to 2012. It emanated from a collaboration between the
Doha Film Institute
Doha Film Institute (DFI) is a nonprofit cultural organisation established in 2010 by Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani to support the growth of the Qatari film community and to provide funding and international networking oppor ...
and
Tribeca Enterprises
Tribeca Productions is an American film and television production company co-founded in 1989 by actor Robert De Niro and producer Jane Rosenthal in the lower Manhattan neighborhood of Tribeca.
History
The production company was founded in 1989 a ...
. Celebrities such as
Robert De Niro
Robert Anthony De Niro Jr. ( , ; born August 17, 1943) is an American actor. Known for his collaborations with Martin Scorsese, he is considered to be one of the best actors of his generation. De Niro is the recipient of various accolades ...
,
Salma Hayek
Salma Hayek Pinault ( , ; born Salma Valgarma Hayek Jiménez; September 2, 1966) is a Mexican and American actress and film producer. She began her career in Mexico with starring roles in the telenovela ''Teresa'' (1989–1991) as well as the ...
,
Adel Emam
Adel Emam ( ar, عادل إمام; born 17 May 1940 is an Egyptian film, television, and stage actor. He is primarily a comedian, but he has starred in more serious works and, combined comedy with romance especially in his earlier films, which i ...
,
Mira Nair
Mira Nair (born 15 October 1957) is an Indian-American filmmaker based in New York City. Her production company, Mirabai Films, specializes in films for international audiences on Indian society, whether in the economic, social or cultural sphe ...
, and
Kevin Spacey
Kevin Spacey Fowler (born July 26, 1959) is an American actor. He began his career as a stage actor during the 1980s, obtaining supporting roles before gaining a leading man status in film and television. Spacey has received various accolades ...
attended the festivals. The festivals and premieres took place in
Katara every year as well as The
Museum of Islamic Art, ''Doha'' in 2012. The DTFF premiered up to 87 films from all around the world.
Ajyal Film Festival
''"Ajyal"'' is a word that translates to Generations in Arabic. This film festival is something that DFI—Doha Film Festival initiated in 2012. This festival opens the ground for people to be a part of conversations that involve the crucial elements of art, including films, entertainment and creativity. The focus of this Festival revolves around aspects of cinema and being more aware and encouraging engagement in film-centric dialogues. The purpose of this festival is to cultivate and encourage regional and local talents to partake in the event. Moreover, this festival is meant to showcase the opportunities that come hand in hand with exposing the society to the essential lessons of being more aware of artistic ways of self-expression and the effectiveness of filmmaking as a tool of commentary regarding cultural, societal and political topics.
The ways in which this festival cultivates and encourages local and regional talents is by giving recognizing local talents and giving them awards for their contributions and hard work. The winners of Best Films are given funding for their next projects. These endorsements allow the continuation allows the local talents to further their career and mark their name within the growing industry. The awards and recognition also helps promote and encourage future content and talents to be more prevalent and seek to establish their presence and passion for filmmaking, which serves the overall goal of establishing the film industry to be more widespread and recognized, internationally. The winners are determined by audience voting alongside a jury of professionals that determine the outcome.
''Ajyal'' also utilizes their festival for cultivating young talents that have an interest in film making industry, by implementing volunteering from people aged 18 and above. The volunteers are guaranteed to gain exposure and experience in their involvement with the festival. The experience of interacting with industry professionals and being able to have contacts from within the world of film as well as attending screenings and have hand-on knowledge from people heavily integrated within the business.
''Made in Qatar'' is a section within the ''Ajyal Youth Film Festival'' that provides a platform for filmmakers based in Qatar to showcase their work to the local and international community. The selection includes short fiction films, short documentaries, and short experimental films. An award is given to the best film in each of those categories.
Qumra
''Qumra'' is a part of Doha Film Institute’s (DFI) enterprise that provides services such as developing films and mentorship opportunities for aspiring filmmakers . Every year ''Qumra'' collects innovators from the worlds of film, technology, and television to give talks to inspire and share their knowledge with the public. People have the opportunity to choose from the 13 events they offer; including masterclasses with world-renowned filmmakers, script consultations, industry screenings and many more.
Qatari Film Fund
Doha Film Institute
Doha Film Institute (DFI) is a nonprofit cultural organisation established in 2010 by Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani to support the growth of the Qatari film community and to provide funding and international networking oppor ...
(DFI) opens their call for admissions annually between 1–19 September, accepting short and feature-length film proposals for development. This offers a platform for local talents to produce their films, and they accept up to eight films every year. Although the funding guidelines for short and feature films share similarities, there are a few fundamental differences. For instance, short films must include a Qatari national as a director.
Animated shorts must be 7 minutes long, Narratives up to 12 minutes and Documentaries up to 30 minutes long.
Adding to that, directors are not allowed to be working on other projects during this time,
and projects that are in production or post-production are not eligible; however, if the applicant applied for funding in previous years and were not accepted, the same project can be used for re-application.
When it comes to feature films, applicants must have produced at least one short film to be considered.
The process of applying for funding includes contacting the film fund and submitting the project per the guidelines offered to be evaluated by the committee.
Adding to that, once the project has been selected, it will be shortlisted and the applicant will receive an invite to conduct an interview with the committee in order to discuss the logistics of the project.
Lastly, a final notification will be received by the applicant that reveals whether or not the project was accepted.
In the case that it is not, the applicant will receive feedback on how to improve it and the opportunity to reapply in the next cycle.
The Qatari Film Fund has funded a number of projects to date.
Notable Qatari films
''Clockwise'', released in 2010, was the first full-length feature film to be shot in Qatar. The film showcases Khaleeji and Qatari culture and tradition as it showcases local folklore. The film was produced and funded by the ministry of Culture and was widely praised for the soundtrack written by polish composer
Maciek Dobrowolski
''
Black Gold'' is a French-Qatari Film released in 2011. This movie was shot between
Qatar
Qatar (, ; ar, قطر, Qaṭar ; local vernacular pronunciation: ), officially the State of Qatar,) is a country in Western Asia. It occupies the Qatar Peninsula on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East; it sh ...
and
Tunisia
)
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, map_caption = Location of Tunisia in northern Africa
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, capital = Tunis
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, ...
and is the largest cinematic project undertaken by the Arab world.
Notable Qatari directors and filmmakers
Ahmed Al-Baker started his career in filmmaking started in 2009. He wrote, directed and produced his first feature film ''The Package: Volume 1''. The film was produced in Doha by the film production company Innovation Production, which was co-founded by Ahmed Al-Baker along with his peers. Interested in sci-fi horror and thriller genres, Ahmed created ''Lockdown: Red Moon Escape'' and the TV series ''Medinah''.
AlJawhara Al-Thani's (a.k.a. A.J. Al-Thani) love for movies was sparked when she first watched ''
Star Wars
''Star Wars'' is an American epic film, epic space opera multimedia franchise created by George Lucas, which began with the Star Wars (film), eponymous 1977 film and quickly became a worldwide popular culture, pop-culture Cultural impact of S ...
'' at the age of six. AJ's journey as a filmmaker began when she participated in a filmmaking workshop offered by the
Doha Film Institute
Doha Film Institute (DFI) is a nonprofit cultural organisation established in 2010 by Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani to support the growth of the Qatari film community and to provide funding and international networking oppor ...
, and since then she had continuously developed her skill as a filmmaker with DFI's support. AJ's first short film ''Kashta (2016)'' won Best Narrative award at ''Ajyal''
's ''Made in Qatar'' section. She is currently developing the script for her feature film ''Khuzama,'' a film about a Bedouin girl who embarks on an adventure far away from home''.''
Hamida AlKuwari's career in filmmaking started when she made her first short film ''15 Heartbeats'' (2011) which premiered at ''Doha Tribeca Film Festival''. Her second short film ''Elevate'' (2017) tackles the troublesome relationship between a Qatari women, and her maid. Hamida is currently working on her first feature film documentary, ''To The Ends of the Earth'' which documents an environmental expedition to Antarctica. Having worked on this film, Hamida became the first Qatari woman to visit Antarctica.
Hend Fakhroo's first short film ''His Name'' (2012) documented a friendship between a Qatari woman and a cleaner. Hend's second short film, ''The Waiting Room'' (2016) also explored a friendship between two women who come from different backgrounds. The film screened at various festivals including the ''
Ajyal Youth Film Festival,
''Ajyal'' (Arabic أجيال "Generations") is a Lebanese soap opera. Season 1 was broadcast on Murr Television and Season 2 will air during Autumn 2011.
Plot
The show centers on the residents of a private compound.
Farah (Nadine Nassib Njeim), ...
Beirut International Film Festival,
Beirut, french: Beyrouth is the capital and largest city of Lebanon. , Greater Beirut has a population of 2.5 million, which makes it the third-largest city in the Levant region. The city is situated on a peninsula at the midpoint of ...
'' and ''
Malmö Arab Film Festival
Malmö Arab Film Festival (MAFF) is an Arab film festival based in Malmö, Sweden. MAFF is widely regarded as the most influential and largest Arabic film festival in Europe, and is the only one in Scandinavia. The first edition was held in 2011 ...
.'' Hend is working on her first feature film.
Amal Al-Muftah started making films in high school. She made her first short film ''Al Kora'' (2013) during an introductory filmmaking workshop at DFI. Amal's second film was a documentary called ''Al Hamali'' (2014), which gained more than 100 thousand views on YouTube in less than one week. Amal resumed her work on fiction films with ''Smicha'' (2016), and ''Sh'hab'' (2018).Both of those films won the Best Narrative at ''Ajyal''
's ''Made in Qatar'' section.
Qatari production houses
The Film House
The Film House
The Film House is Qatar-based film, video, photography & multi-media production company, which opened in 2012.
Justin Kramer is the CEO and Omar Khalifa is the Head of Production
Recent Projects
The Film House has produced a TV Commercial ...
is a commercial production house in Qatar. The Film House specializes in photography as well as filming. They also provide filmmakers with services such as script development, pre-production, production, and post-production. They not only target film production, but also take on televised advertising campaigns, film festivals, social media outlets, digital signage, and public art installations. Their films include Hend Fakhroo’s ''The Waiting Room'', A.J. Al-Thani’s ''Kashta'', and Nouf Al-Sulaiti’s ''Gubgub''.
Innovation Films
The first Qatari organization specialized in TV and Film production; in partnership with Hollywood, Innovation Films aims to produce and distribute high-quality films on an international level. The vision of Qatari Director Ahmed Al-Baker was to connect the two cinematic worlds and develop Qatar’s talent through classes such as directing, producing and script writing. They offer the chance to work on feature films, short films and commercials to give options to the aspiring talent. What Innovation Films is most proud of is that 80% of employees are local. Feature films such as ''Lockdown: Room Escape'' (2012)'', In Search of Adam'' and ''The Package'' along with shorts ''I'' (2013), ''His Name'' (2013) and ''Bidoon'' (2012) have all come out of Innovation Films.
Talent
The Talent Factory is the biggest talent agency in Qatar. They provide access to contacts such as actors and performers who are willing to work in films, theatre, TV shows, and even events. Currently, there are more male actors (44) than female actresses (9). These actors mostly perform in TV shows and plays rather than films. However, with the growth of Qatari cinema, more acting roles for Qataris will be expected.
Cinema operators
The major cinema operators in Doha are Vox, NOVO and Flik.
Vox
Owned by
Majid Al Futtaim
Majid Al Futtaim (1934 – 17 December 2021) was an Emirati billionaire businessman, and
the founder and owner of the Majid Al Futtaim Group, an Emirati real estate and retail conglomerate, with projects in Asia and Africa.
Early life
Majid Al ...
Cinema; one of the region's most prominent entertainment and successful businesses,
VOX Cinema can be found in over 30 locations across the region. With screens in both the Middle East and North Africa, Vox designs its experience fitting to its location to ensure the audience feels right at home.
NOVO
![Novo-Cinemas-Book-Movie-Tickets-Doha-Qatar_(6)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/35/Novo-Cinemas-Book-Movie-Tickets-Doha-Qatar_%286%29.jpg)
Qatar is home to 39
Novo Cinemas
Novo Cinemas is a movie theatre chain owned by Elan Group Qatar operating in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.), Qatar and Bahrain. It is headquartered in Doha and considered one of the larger cinema chains in the Middle East.
It was previously kn ...
screens that can be found in shopping centers such as Mall of Qatar, 01 Mall, The Pearl and Souq Waqif. Novo provides its customers with viewing experiences ranging from 2D cinema to the luxurious 7-star VIP treatment.
When it comes to their snack options, Novo Cinemas provides its customers with the latest trends in the snack industry such as frozen-ice popcorn along with the option of ordering from gourmet menus that are served to your seat.
Adding to that, Novo also offers its screens to non-cinematic events such as live viewing of sports and the opportunity to book private viewings.
Flik
Flik Cinemas Flik may refer to:
* Flik, an ant in the 1998 Disney/Pixar animated film ''A Bug's Life''
* Flik (Suikoden), a character in videogame ''Suikoden''
* Flik (unit), a unit in radio-astronomy
* Flik 10, an air company of Hungary
* Flik 14, an air com ...
is a local business in association with Al Mana Group.
They have 12 screens across two locations; Lagoona Mall and Mirqab Mall that promise to provide the 5-Star treatment to its customers.
Foreign films shot in Qatar
''Bediuner'' (1959) is a documentary film shot by Danish photographer and filmmaker
Jette Bang in 1959 as part of the Danish Expedition to Qatar. The film documents the lives of ''al-Na’im'' and ''al-Murrah'' Bedouins over the course of two and a half months.
''
Cruel Summer (2012)'' is a 7-screen film directed by musician
Kanye West
Ye ( ; born Kanye Omari West ; June 8, 1977) is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and fashion designer.
Born in Atlanta and raised in Chicago, West gained recognition as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records in the ea ...
which premiered in the
Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Festival (; french: link=no, Festival de Cannes), until 2003 called the International Film Festival (') and known in English as the Cannes Film Festival, is an annual film festival held in Cannes, France, which previews new films o ...
. The film featured Arab and Gulf artists such as
Hayat Al-Fahad and
Ali Suliman
Ali Suliman ( ar, علي سليمان, he, עלי סלימאן; born 1977) is a Palestinian actor. He is known for his work on the series '' Jack Ryan'' and the film ''Paradise Now''.
Life and career
Ali was born in Nazareth, israel. He gradua ...
. This film was shot in multiple locations within the Gulf region including Qatar. In the making of this film, many Arab figures were heavily included. This film is notable due to its contributions in placing Qatar on the map within the film industry by showcasing its potential in supporting the arts of filmmaking and thrusting local talents under the global spotlight.
''
The Worker’s Cup'' (2017) is a film directed by
Adam Sobel
Adam H. Sobel (born 1967) is a Professor of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics and of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Columbia University. He directs its Initiative on Extreme Weather and Climate. His research area is meteorology with a fo ...
. It features Asian and African migrant workers who are involved in the construction of Qatar's venues for the
2022 FIFA World Cup
The 2022 FIFA World Cup is an international association football, football tournament contested by the men's national teams of FIFA's member associations. The 22nd FIFA World Cup is taking place in Qatar from 20 November to 18 December 2022 ...
, and their participation in a local football tournament known as the Worker's Cup. During the film, the living conditions of Qatar's labor camps are explored. This movie explores the reasons behind the individual workers moving to work in Qatar, and the prospects for providing for their families back home. Although the movie does shed light on the cruel and unfair circumstances of people within the work force, Sobel sheds light on a universal story that resonates with soccer fans and people everywhere.
References
{{Asia in topic, Cinema of