Doha, February 22 (QNA) - Qumra 2023, the Doha Film Institutes annual industry incubator event for emerging talent from around the world, will celebrate new voices in cinema with eight outstanding feature films supported by the Institutes initiatives. The screenings take place March 10-15 at the Museum of Islamic Art Auditorium.
Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute Fatma Hassan Alremaihi said: "We are delighted to share these incredible films that have deeply impacted cinema lovers across the world. From Qumra Master Apichatpong Weerasethakuls award-winning film, Memoria, to works representing our regions rich history and complex present, Qumra Screenings provide crucial cultural and artistic context to both Qumra delegates and public audiences of independent films. Qumra Screenings are an integral part of the mission of our annual industry event to nurture emerging filmmakers through their script-to-screen journey." On March 10, at 7.00 PM, the Qumra Screenings will kick off with The Dam by Lebanese visual artist and filmmaker Ali Cherri. Under The Fig Trees by Erige Sehiri will be screened at 9.30 PM. It is about Melek and her friends who work in the field during the summer to pay for their education and help their families. Tug of War will be screened on March 11 at 7 PM. On the same night as Mediterranean Fever by Maha Haj, which will screen at 9:30 PM. The film is about a 40-year-old Palestinian man from Haifa, trying to be a writer.
Riverbed by Emmy award-winning scriptwriter and director Bassem Breche narrates the story of Salma and her returning daughter Thuraya, and their attempt to preserve, maintain and reconstruct their lives with and against each other. The screening will be on March 12 at 7.30 PM followed by a Q&A session with the director/ talent.
Faye Dayi directed by Jessica Beshir will be screened on March 13 at 7.30 PM, and Memoria will screen on March 14 at 7.30 PM. The final Qumra Screening, on March 15 at 7.30 PM, is that of the mesmerising film, The Last Queen directed by Damien Ounouri and Adila Bendimerad. Set in Algeria in 1516, the film charts the story of Aruj Barbarossa, who frees Algiers from the tyranny of the Spanish and seizes power over the kingdom.
Multi-award-winning British playwright, screenwriter, and director Christopher Hampton (The Father, Dangerous Liaisons, Atonement); veteran film, TV and theatre producer David Parfitt (The Father, Shakespeare in Love, My Week with Marilyn, Loving Vincent); visionary costume designer Jacqueline West (Dune, The Revenant, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button); award-winning Scottish filmmaker Lynne Ramsay (We Need to Talk About Kevin, You Were Never Really Here, Ratcatcher); and critically acclaimed British filmmaker Michael Winterbottom (The Road to Guantanamo, A Mighty Heart, Welcome to Sarajevo) are this years Qumra Masters. (QNA)