Doha Film Institute has once again proven its dedication to promoting Arab talent on the international stage by having a strong presence at the 81st Venice International Film Festival. A total of 12 films from the region supported by the Institute have been selected for the prestigious festival, which will take place from August 28 to September 7, 2024.
The lineup of films reflects the Institute’s commitment to supporting independent voices in cinema, with selections from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Tunisia, and Yemen. These films offer diverse perspectives on life, showcasing human hopes, aspirations, and challenges from the Arab world to a global audience.
Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, the CEO of the Doha Film Institute, expressed pride in the showcase of Arab talent at Venice and emphasized the importance of supporting independent creators in cinema. The films selected for the festival aim to transcend borders and present unique perspectives that deserve acclaim and attention.
Among the selected films is “Happy Holidays” by Scandar Copti, which tells the story of a student whose minor accident sets off a chain reaction of events. Other films in the lineup include “Shadows” by Rand Beiruty, “Sudan, Remember Us” by Hind Meddeb, and “Perfumed with Mint” by Muhammed Hamdy, each offering a different narrative and perspective.
Four films supported by the Institute are part of the Final Cut workshop, aimed at providing assistance in the completion of films. These include “Aisha Can’t Fly Away” by Morad Mostafa, “In This Darkness I See You” by Nadim Tabet, “My Father’s Scent” by Mohamed Siam, and “Those Who Watch Over” by Karima Saidi.
Additionally, three films supported by the Institute have been selected for the Venice Gap-Financing Market, including “Marie & Jolie” by Erige Sehiri, “The Station” by Sara Ishaq, and “Theft Of Fire” by Amer Shomali. These films explore themes of identity, family, and struggle in various contexts within the Arab world.
In addition to the selected films, the Doha Film Institute is also showcasing over 35 diverse projects from the Arab world and global south as part of the Your Ghosts are Mine: Expanded Cinemas, Amplified Voices multi-media exhibition. This exhibition offers a platform for emerging filmmakers to share their work and engage with audiences, further solidifying the Institute’s commitment to promoting diverse voices in cinema.
