With more than 87 films from 34 nations with over 200 screenings over the next seven days the fourth edition of Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF), the annual cultural event of Doha Film Institute (DFI), opened to a colourful start at Souq Waqif. Attended by over 1,000 Qatari and international guests, film talent from Qatar, […]
With more than 87 films from 34 nations with over 200 screenings over the next seven days the fourth edition of Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF), the annual cultural event of Doha Film Institute (DFI), opened to a colourful start at Souq Waqif. Attended by over 1,000 Qatari and international guests, film talent from Qatar, the Arab world and international cinema walked the red carpet gala of the opening film, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, financed by DFI.
Among several renowned film professionals from around the world, the ceremonys opening was attended by Mira Nair, the director of The Reluctant Fundamentalist and Mohsin Hamid, the renowned author on whose book the film is based. Robert De Niro also walked the red carpet. His latest film Silver Linings Playbook will screen at DTFF this year.
Another highlight was the soulful music performances by Meesha Shafi, who was later joined by the Qawwal Brothers who incidentally performed from the soundtrack of The Reluctant Fundamentalist.
Addressing the audience, Qatari Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage His Excellency Mr. Hamad bin Abdel Aziz Al Kuwari said: DTFF and the various cultural activities that are held as part of the event complement Qatars National Vision 2030 to strengthen the pillars of our knowledge economy by nurturing our creative talent. Film has the power to shape opinion and influence people, and through this years large showcase of Arab films, the festival can help address prevailing misconceptions about the region.
Abdulaziz Al Khater, Chief Executive Officer of Doha Film Institute, said: DTFF is a globally renowned celebration of cinema that brings together the foremost film professionals from around the world. With the festival, we are underlining our nations commitment to strengthen our cultural infrastructure, support talent, promote creativity and promote intercultural dialogue. The festival is a true reflection of the forward looking vision of our wise leadership and highlights the creative strides made by Qatari and Arab talent.
Over the next seven days, the festival will host over 200 screenings of more than 87 films from 34 nations across the three venues including at Souq Waqif, Katara Cultural Village and the Museum of Islamic Arts. The films are in distinct themed sections including Arab Film Competition, Made in Qatar, Contemporary World Cinema, Special Screenings and Tribute to Algerian Cinema.
DTFF will also have a series of industry events and panel discussions evaluating the diverse aspects of filmmaking from story development, implementation of technology, to distribution. This is in keeping with DFIs mandate to sustain film education and appreciation.
Featuring a series of 13 thought-provoking industry events, DTFFs Doha Talks will also include special screenings and extended Q&A sessions with renowned filmmakers including Mira Nair and Robert De Niro.
Doha Projects, another key initiative, will pave the path for 40 DFI grantees to network with regional and international film experts through one-on-one meetings and exclusive sessions.
And among all thats planned, there are also family and youth-centered activities including Family Day Screenings, Kids Red Carpet experiences, DFI Kids Access Programme, stage performances, roaming entertainment and performers, arts and crafts workshops, sports, storytelling, puppetry, games, film-making activities and performances from local schools and community groups.
