Cinema of Qatar
Cinema in Qatar 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.
[2] Another important element in developing the movie industry is the influence and vision of Sheikha Al Mayassa who founded Doha Film Institution;[3] 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.
Distributors from around the globe, equipped with films and projectors, traveled to the country and created makeshift cinemas wherever feasible.
[7] Over time, cinemas started to open in recreational and sports clubs, leading to the establishment of official film theatres.
[7] In the 1980s, Qatar's cinemas struggled compared to years prior due to the rise of VHS tapes, which made films more easily accessible at home.
The situation improved in the 1990s when cinemas started screening new releases from the global market, including popular Bollywood and Western movies.
During periods when films were not being shown, plays were presented instead, ensuring a steady supply of customers to Qatar's cinemas.
[7] The Doha Film Institute (DFI) is an independent production house that was founded in 2010 by her highness Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani.
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.
[10] 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.
[17] Celebrities such as Robert De Niro,[18] Salma Hayek,[19] Adel Emam,[20] Mira Nair,[21] and Kevin Spacey[22] attended the festivals.
[23] The festivals and premieres took place in the Katara Cultural Village[24] every year as well as The Museum of Islamic Art, Doha[25] in 2012.
[27] 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.
[30] 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 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.
[36] 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.
[37] People have the opportunity to choose from the 13 events they offer; including masterclasses with filmmakers, script consultations, industry screenings and many more.
[48] Interested in sci-fi horror and thriller genres, Ahmed created Lockdown: Red Moon Escape and the TV series Medinah.
AJ's first short film Kashta (2016) won Best Narrative award at Ajyal's Made in Qatar section.
[61] 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.
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 provide access to contacts such as actors and performers who are willing to work in films, theatre, TV shows, and even events.
[72] 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.
[82] This movie explores the reasons behind the individual workers moving to work in Qatar, and the prospects for providing for their families back home.
