The Villaggio Fire Documentary
The Villaggio Fire Documentary: Student-led film highlights safety flaws that led to 19 tragic deaths
A group of 13 young Qatar residents - comprised of nationals and expats alike and mostly university students - have released a 10-minute documentary about the events of May 28 and their immediate aftermath, while also paying tribute to those who died in the blaze.
Warning: Some viewers may find scenes of the fire victims in this film distressing.
The creators say:
The reason why this documentary was made is because there were a lot of complaints on the day of the fire that the media in Qatar was not broadcasting or talking about it. Also, to call upon people that matter in this country, and urge them to take safety issues more seriously.
One interviewee in particular, Fahad Al-Kuwari, who is given significant air time in the film, calls into question whether or not Civil Defense firefighters were prepared for such an event, and asks how Villaggio Mall could have been built and opened without adhering to basic fire safety standards.
The filmmakers add that the documentary was shot primarily on iPhones, with only one DSLR camera, and then edited within 52 hours of the fire itself, hence some of the quality issues of the film.
It’s creators and contributors are: Latifa Al-Darwish, Abdullah Al-Khalaf, Sarah Al-Derham, Salman Al-Mohannadi, Sara Al-Saadi, Fahad Al-Kuwari, Fatma Al-Nasr, Haya Al-Mannai, Yara Darwish, Yasser Masood, Mouza Al-Derham, Zahed Bata and Usama A.H.
What do you think about the film?
The Villaggio Fire Documentary. from Sarah Al-Derham on Vimeo.
You're welcome, and thanks for being understanding.
Also, thank you for the support!
...nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.
Manna pro is residing in USA so he is concerned about the theatre tragedy. If he was residing in QATAR he would show concern about the villagio fire tragedy. Probably he did not know what happened.
"But that was an accident so I don't think it rates quite as high as the Theater Masacre in terms of all time worst tragidies. When did this fire happen?"
Manna Pro the Villaggio fire rated highly to the parents of the 13 children who lost their lives, and the families, friends and colleagues of the adults who died so tragically in this disaster.
How dare you!
Even your tragedies have to be better. Shame on you!
I have remained silent through all of your other cr*p postings, but on this one you are bang out of order.
SarahAlDerham no problem, and thank you for explaining. You need not change anything, leave it as it is. And by the way, excellent work, well done!
But that was an accident so I don't think it rates quite as high as the Theater Masacre in terms of all time worst tragidies. When did this fire happen?
Hi Timebandit,
Do forgive us. We were all frustrated the day after the event, and wanted to do a quick news report. In that moment we were not able to get in touch with Usama who had footage of the fire, because he was arrested. So, we turned to google and twitter. We were able to ask permission from some people, but unfortunately some others were difficult to find since the same photo was shared a couple of times.
I apologize again on behalf of the team for not looking further into this. If you would please inform me of your name, I will add a special thanks on the description.
Sorry again and thanks for informing us.
Dear KingMalik87,
We are delighted that you picked up our post at Doha News, but please take care to give proper credit, especially when lifting the entire story as was done above. http://dohanews.co/post/28115001977/the-villaggio-fire-documentary-student-led-film
Thanks,
Shabina
Editor, Dohanews.co
Great job on highlighting the safety flaws in Arabic so it's properly communicated and for the important English translations so that it can be understood by others. (Some portions of the translations were not clear in the white background footage though, maybe someone can change the colour of those particular few shots).
From my lay person's point of view when I was in Villagio a few years ago, the chaining up of the fire escapes were dangerous. But it's obvious that the problem was much bigger than that.
Another thing the video mentioned - the arrogance of the fireman in not paying attention to the lady who was telling them where the nursery was, thinking he knew better or pretending to have everything under control?And the fact that the fire brigade was using a wooden ladder in a fire rescue?? What if that ladder had gone up in flames? No problem, have another wooden ladder? What if the ladder had gone up in flames with a fireman on it? Then what?
Kudos to the group of 13 young Qatar residents (Qataris and expats) to call upon people that matter in this country, and urge them to take safety issues more seriously.
NB: Bachus had some important comments on another thread -
http://www.qatarliving.com/node/3624691
very sad, but a good film.
of course I agree... they should have gotten your permission, and you should have been given the credit..
Nope QS, I was on Sky News but I do not appear in this video, only my images do.
I was contacted by loads of media that wanted to use my images, and I gave my permission every time, and with the exception of some Arabic news papers I was given a byline or credit. It's no big deal, I would have just liked to have been given the chance to say yes in this case as well.
TB, are you the one who also appears in this video and says few words, a camera man/photographer?
Does that surprise you?
holding a leaf AFTER burning the hands wont stop the scarring..!!!
It's easy to be wise after the event.
:-(. very sad.
Time bandit, Please forgive them . We keep talking about the great work you did on that day.
All they are doing is compiling the reports available and adding comments from authorities and citizens.
Please remember that they are young Qatari girls brave enough to talk about the lessons to be learnt by the nation rather than duck away as if nothing has ever happened..
TFS..... good attempt Sarah, Its so sad and painful to watch, lets prey for the deseased souls to RIP. If this really opens the eyes of authorities to ensure safety every where, sure, no more such tragedy documentaries are required in Qatar.
Oh, TB, that's terrible! Your images were so moving.
Mandi
Half way through I am commenting on this. It is a great Video. Thanks for not forgetting this issue...Keep the good work going..
I think some of my images were used without my permission, and without credit being given.