Qumra opens new doors of opportunity for Qatari film talents

Talents based in Qatar highlight the role that Qumra, an industry event by the Doha Film Institute, plays in opening new doors of opportunity for their projects, especially in facilitating networking opportunities with international film experts.

At a special session, directors and producers of projects by Qataris and those who call Qatar home, applauded the initiative for making a tangible difference to their projects covering all aspects of film production – from script consultation to networking and international film festival outreach.

The third edition of Qumra has chosen 12 projects by Qatar-based talent including five feature narratives and seven shorts that are currently in development. The line-up includes three projects supported through the Institute’s Qatari Film Fund.

Fatma Al Remaihi, Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute, said: “I am exceptionally delighted with the projects by our talented emerging filmmakers in Qatar. These films represent the voices of our community by our community. They present different perspectives – and highlight the creative evolution and growth of our filmmaking community.

“In many ways, the screenings exemplify the Doha Film institute’s work year-round in nurturing emerging talents from Qatar and the wider region. We are setting the platform for a credible, strong and sustainable regional film industry, through training and development programs, film financing initiatives including Qatar Film Fund and DFI Grants and film exhibition platforms of Ajyal Youth Film Festival and Qumra.”

Qumra 2017 has 34 projects from 25 countries for mentoring through Masterclasses and networking opportunities. Directors and producers attached to 18 narrative feature films, 7 feature documentaries and 9 short films will participate in the six-day programme to until March 3 to 8 at Souq Al Waqif and the Museum of Islamic Arts.

Qumra hosts leading international filmmakers, producers, industry experts and professionals, for intense brainstorming, knowledge-sharing and nurturing sessions with talents associated with 34 films from 25 countries. Directors and producers attached to 18 narrative feature films, 7 feature documentaries and 9 short films are participating in the event being held until March 8 at Souq Al Waqif and the Museum of Islamic Arts.

New this year are the Accredited Delegates Programme, developed for professionals from diverse backgrounds which will allow 100 local and regional delegates to access more opportunities and be a part of the platform for discovery, and ‘Qumra Talks’, a series of three specially curated discussions that gathers leaders from the technology, film, TV and online worlds to share their insights on trending topics impacting the international film industry.