The Qumra Masters give a masterclass and then provide one-on-one mentorship to the participants alongside a host of other industry professionals in attendance.
The Doha Film Institute has revealed its lineup of five esteemed film visionaries who will serve as Qumra Masters for its milestone 10th annual industry incubator event, scheduled from March 1 to 6, 2024. Qumra stands as one of the world’s premier standalone events, offering emerging filmmakers a rare opportunity to receive mentorship from global cinematic masters and industry experts while fostering networking and collaboration within the film industry.
At the core of the projects programme are the Qumra Masters, distinguished figures in cinema who provide personalised mentorship to participating filmmakers, offering insights to elevate their craft, enhance their projects, and enrich the overall script-to-screen experience.
The 2024 Qumra Masters include renowned filmmakers Leos Carax, Claire Denis, Atom Egoyan, Martín Hernández, and Jim Sheridan. Each Master brings a wealth of directorial expertise, poised to share invaluable knowledge with Qumra delegates and registered participants.
Leos Carax, known for his narrative and stylistic approach, has consistently pushed the boundaries of artistic expression throughout his career. Carax’s filmography includes notable works such as Mauvais Sang (Bad Blood, 1986), Les Amants du Pont Neuf (The Lovers on the Bridge, 1991), and the 2012 film Holy Motors, selected for Official Competition at the Cannes Film Festival.
Claire Denis challenges viewers to explore the intersections of culture and identity through her thought-provoking films. Her portfolio of work includes acclaimed films such as US Go Home (1994), Nénette et Boni (1996), Beau Travail (1999), Trouble Every Day (2001), Vendredi Soir (2002) and 35 Rhums (2009).
Atom Egoyan, celebrated for his multifaceted roles as a writer, director, and producer, continues to captivate audiences with his storytelling prowess. He has won five top honours at Cannes Film Festival and two Academy Award nominations. One of the driving forces of the Toronto New Wave in cinema, his most recent film, Seven Veils, will have its International Premiere at this year’s Berlin Film Festival, adding to his legacy of mesmerising storytelling and visual artistry.
Martín Hernández, an acclaimed sound editor and designer, has garnered international recognition for his contributions to films like Birdman and The Revenant.
Jim Sheridan, an eminent Irish filmmaker, has earned acclaim for his impactful storytelling and collaborations with renowned actors like Daniel Day-Lewis. Sheridan’s versatility as a filmmaker is further highlighted by his work on big-budget studio productions such as Get Rich or Die Tryin (2005), Brothers (2009), and Dream House (2011).
Speaking about the masters, Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of Doha Film Institute, said: “As the Arab world’s first-of-its-kind talent incubator, Qumra has served as the preeminent platform for emerging talents to give their projects a distinct advantage through invaluable networking sessions with leading industry professionals. The guidance they receive through Qumra enables them to approach their project from a richer perspective and navigate the various challenges in the script-to-screen journey.
“What makes this experience rewarding is the opportunity to have direct access to our acclaimed Qumra Masters, who have redefined the parameters of film through bold innovation and exceptional creativity. We are proud and honoured to welcome Leos Carax, Claire Denis, Atom Egoyan, Martín Hernández, and Jim Sheridan as our Qumra Masters for this landmark year. Their contribution to world cinema is extraordinary, and Qumra delegates this year can look forward to an enriching experience under their remarkable mentorship as we now enter our milestone tenth edition.”
Elia Suleiman, Artistic Advisor at Doha Film Institute, added: “Our Qumra Masters are bold and visionary filmmakers who have left an indelible imprint in world cinema with unique and innovative approaches to storytelling. Their cinematic oeuvre stands out for their fearless exploration of the medium. Their perspectives on filmmaking will undoubtedly benefit our young filmmakers, and in turn, contribute to a richer body of works by emerging talents in the region and beyond.”
Over the past nine editions, Qumra has played a significant role in driving the success of filmmakers from the Arab and wider world, and in supporting important independent voices in storytelling.
The Qumra 2024 projects will soon be announced, with participants gaining access to mentorship from the Masters and engaging in networking sessions with industry professionals and experts. More details about Qumra 2024, including specific events and activities, will be disclosed in the coming days. Notably, several programmes will be accessible to the public, including Qumra Master Classes and Screenings, offering audiences a unique insight into the world of filmmaking.
With the availability of Qumra Passes, audiences can attend Master Classes and Screenings in person in Doha, with limited capacity. Additionally, Qumra Pass Online provides an opportunity to participate in Masterclasses virtually, ensuring wider accessibility to the inspirational sessions. Individual tickets for in-person screenings will also be available, offering audiences a chance to experience remarkable films from the region and beyond.
