It's gonna rain good films soon!

Back in the 80/90's , The ministry of information used to regulate the media censorship through a censorship board. It used to be a disaster. Even many locals hated it. The situation have improved gradually with the abolishing of the ministry a decade ago.The censorship is regulated now by Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution Company. Many Controversial films that was banned in many ME countries like "The Passion of the Christ", Syriana or the kingdom, In addition to Holocaust themed films have been shown here. I think censorship nowadays in Doha is limited to sexual content of films.

You made some interesting points in your movie-observations.

But do you think locals will actually raise such issue?

Many locals i know are Huge movie buffs, yet schizophrenically will rarely ever talk-movies. You have to know, that there are certain percentage of us, who think Cinemas should be banned altogether

Since Censorship is already enforced, why not do it in a systematic way instead of randomly.(e.g.: FCC Censorship regulation on US TV/Radio)

A relaxed Censorship can be applied shall there was a proper Rating system.

p.s: Many of the questions you raised can better be answer by locals or foreigners who are actually involved with DTFF. I'm sure many already Lurks QL ;)

but simply showing films in City Center wouldn't allow them to say to the outside world that they are now competing with International film festivals as important cultural events.

I am hoping that if they choose to continue with the DTFF after the inaugural event that they will have a change of management and vision.

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

You have a valid point. Either screen the movie in full or not screen the movie at all because of cutting scenes by censorship. It really sounds obviously fishy if a festival is going to showcase art films with cut scenes. It means theyre better off be shown in City Centre rather than make it a special Doha event.

"Everything in this book may be wrong." Illusions: The Adventures of The Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach

why does this have to happen during my vacation?

PM, Sure and gladly as soon as he responds.

WEAPONS: IF AMERICA AND ISRAEL CAN HAVE THEM - THEN SO SHOULD IRAN.

As much as Genesis' opinion!

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

PM, You have repeated the same opinons I read from your first response to my post addressed to GENESIS, and I understand YOUR point of view. But I hope that you will understand that I want a QATARI point of view, which is why I went to the trouble of rewriting the same question AGAIN meant for and addressed to GENESIS.

I am waiting for HIS response thank you!!!

NUCLEAR WEAPONS: IF AMERICA AND ISRAEL CAN HAVE THEM - THEN SO SHOULD IRAN.

others. It gradually shapes its reputation through the films it premiers, those it awards and the members of the industry who participate. There is absolutely NO REASON DTFF would or SHOULD try to be Cannes because it is not in France and doesn't reflect French attitudes.

DTFF should try to distinguish itself in the same manner that DIFF has (which is by now on the world radar in terms of an international festival that covers World Cinema with a focus on Arab and Asian films) or MEIFF (which doesn't tend to show as many Western films as DIFF and also spotlights Khaleeji films). MEIFF and DIFF both attract a local audience as well as those who attend events like these all over the world and they have made a credible contribution to the art of cinema by the way they have handled themselves.

People in the industry would almost ALWAYS choose NOT to have a film screened, rather than screened and censored. I can explain this very simply. Choosing not to screen a film because it doesn't suit an audience is perfectly acceptable because all films are not made for every audience. They may resonate with one culture more than another and every filmmaker knows this. HOWEVER, cutting a film to reshape it for a festival that is theoretically trying to showcase film as art is like saying that you (the censoring body) know what would make a better film for the cinephiles that attend festivals. It is akin to saying the Mona Lisa would be a better painting for Muslims to view if she looked like this:

And I think that would be an appalling thing to do to a great painting.

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

genesis you haven't addressed the questions I asked of you.

1- You feel that censors should be enforced in the theaters in Qatar because the majority of the parents simply OK a child going to the movies without an inking of what the content of the movies is the child is going to be exposed to?

2- Would Qatar place it's self in the hands of the Standardized Western rating according to what the West deems appropriate? Or have any provisions been made to form a Qatari committee that has a say? or should I ask IF they can/want to have a say?

3-Would you as a Qatari personally prefer to have your own yard stick when it comes to deciding what rating suits your own culture, traditions & people or is adopting another's good or bad fine by you?

4- Would ratings apply by visual or sensory standards meaning what you see or hear, because the example I gave of the movie Land of the lost was intentionally engineered to sneakily pass the Westerns 'sensory standard' for nudity, profanity and violence, however not only did it suggest, it strongly advertised sexual perversion and drug use as positive through the loophole of creativity. Please watch it.

Would a committee, again I'm asking IF ever there would be one formed of people themselves or delegating staff to just be on the look out for sensory material or subject matter, because each one is just as crucial and both should be subject to rating.

5- The main issue, would the policy of the DTFF, once it's passed it's 'controversial first year' as you yourself have said "Maybe DTFF didn't want to create a controversial first year & have a bad hype among the locals" once it's already had it's foot in the door, would you then have it's credibility as a renowned film culture festival compromised when movies like The Antichrist which I hoped you would address above, but I'll recap here, is basically the most PORNOGRAPHIC HORROR movie of all time, would it be welcomed as it has in 2009 Cannes Film Festival and the 'artists' receive accolades for continually striving to push the envelope in their quest for inspired personal expression subsequently enriching the culture of film, again I ask according to who's standards?

6- Have any provisions have been taken for the DTFF are there any guidelines once they get over the first contravertial year?

If there is a committee would it include intellegent responsible adult Qatari's or is it going to be left to the young excited and very impressionable facebook crowd you mentioned, unless you haven't noticed they would be the half grown experimental ones who you mentioned that went to the unrated cinemas the ones with blissfully ignorant parents.

They are the ones that find the stoned dudes sleeping under the drug tree in 'The land of the lost' funny.

The very same ones who didn't notice the distasteful humor the scriptwriters pawned off under the rating radar of the three men sleeping together in an obviously suggestive gay orgy scene, again humor according to a different cultures 'cool' jokes?

NUCLEAR WEAPONS: IF AMERICA AND ISRAEL CAN HAVE THEM - THEN SO SHOULD IRAN.

DTFF is not defined as a cultural introduction to the country! it was launched as one of many activities to be hosted by the Museum of Islamic Art in the upcoming years ( or that was their intention upon launching)

culturally speaking, there have been many unsettled issues with the government entity responsble of orgnizing all that.

Qatar Museum authority have been migrated into the Ministry of culture lately( The ex Ministry of information). A ministry that was abolished 10 years ago & got resurrected again. Now, not only is the ministry is in-charge of overlooking the Qatar museum authority & Cultural village project. But also prepare for the 2010- doha as capital of Arab culture.

@ Genesis...please point out where in my post it says "lack of culture"???...i said reputation of being "cultured" as viewed by the rest of the world,how you read that as lack of culture is beyond me mate...anyways,to clarify,i DO NOT think this country lacks culture,i've checked it out,it doesn't do anything for me & i don't appreciate it,that makes neither the culture nor me a bad thing or a bad person...This film fest isn't about Qatari culture,it's about world cinema which goes beyond geographic & cultural boundaries...or at least that's what it should be...

genesis, Qatar & the Arab world do have their culture I agree.

But you haven't responded to the questions I asked of you :)

NUCLEAR WEAPONS: IF AMERICA AND ISRAEL CAN HAVE THEM - THEN SO SHOULD IRAN.

to expect to watch a tone-down-and-politically-correct versions? What's a film festival for in the first place? Have it just to give a semblance of 'culture', unlike what their neighbors are doing?

Yeah, look when money talks...

I'll just wait for the pure versions then, from my chinese friend. :)

_________________________________________________

"No one is in charge of your happiness except you"

you ignorant person!

How did you assumed that we lack in culture in general.

Yes, there is lack of cultural activities that serves other cultures. However, Arab cultural events have always been organized in Qatar for the past few years. With Exhibitions,poetry contests, Cultural seminars & book signings, Theater shows, pan Arab Song Festival & concerts of renowned arab artists.

Just because you're too ignorant to introduce yourself to the culture of the country you're supposedly living in, it doesn't mean it's not there.

Greeker thanks for the info. Trust me a lot of us QLers look forward to your threads, ignore the naysayers. Im not big on films but having read your write-up, Im quite eager to watch a few of those listed.

--------Do I look like Bambi's sister???-------

@ PM,good point you brought it there...IMHO,like with everything else,it's not so much a love for cinema as it is about creating a reputation of being 'cultured'...something they currently lack,despite their millions & of course,they think they can buy this 'cultured reputation' like everything else & people around the world helping them supposedly achieve this end but actually just adding substantially to their bank balances...

I support movie ratings that enforce age limits in the cinema and believe those ratings must be the product of a local committee, as what is deemed acceptable differs from culture to culture. I don't like cutting movies at all but would rather see a combination of an enforceable ratings system coupled with simply banning those things that are considered unacceptable. Hopefully this 2nd prong of the two pronged approach would be limited to pornography and adults who would choose, could see adult themed movies that might contain limited nudity, kissing or sexually suggestive themes. The main issue would be to protect underage viewers from things that would be considered harmful -- and enforcing a rating system developed by Qataris would solve that problem.

On the other hand, a film festival should NOT in my view be censored, as this does seriously undercut the notion of artistic freedom and creative license. In Dubai last year they had several films that had some sexuality and nudity in them. They applied a rating system and did not allow people under the age of 18 into those films. It seemed to work fine there and in my mind is far preferable to recutting a film to make it palatable.

As for this Anti-Christ film, it is important to remember that not every film is suitable for every venue. The jury of any festival will select those films it feels are best to meet their mission. I would have no problem with DTFF rejecting a film they felt was inappropriate. After all, they are theoretically serving the audience in Qatar, aren't they?

But asking a filmmaker to cut his film in order to make it culturally acceptable to the local audience makes me wonder why you would include that film to begin with. Is it just so that you can make a name for yourself as holding a film festival with certain big names as a means of making a name for yourself among the cultural elite? Because if you are truly attempting to promote artistic expression and encourage creativity, why would you then be trying to reshape the work (of film) into something you want it to be?

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

Genesis, That's an interesting viewpoint. You feel that censors should be enforced in the theaters in Qatar because the majority of the parents simply OK a child going to the movies without an inking of what the content of the movies is the child is going to be exposed to?

Basically you want to have it rated.

But would you draw from standardized Western rating according to what the West deems appropriate?

Or have provisions been made to form a Qatari committee that has a say, or should I be asking IF they want to have a say?

Would you as a Qatari prefer to have your own yard stick when it comes to deciding what rating suits your culture & people or is adopting anothers fine by you?

Not so long ago I went to a movie here: Land of the Lost.

The movie was about these men time warped into prehistoric times. The story had the usual save the world from the evil villain theme, but it the story focused on a fruit bearing tree that when drunk induced a psychedelic high.

These guys would just drink, get stoned over and over, once even trying to kiss each other....In one very suggestive scene the three men woke up sandwiched in a position whereby each was able to 'service' one another respectively, obviously suggesting what they got up to overnight while they were blissfully unaware, and this was supposed to be humourous?!

In the end one of the men didn't want to return home stating he wanted to live near his drug tree.

Now you don't need to be a genius to see what type of culture the movie is suggesting.

I strongly recommend that you see the movie & judge for yourself.

Interestingly while I was in the movie theater I looked around to see if anyone else was as displeased as I was, there were hardly any parents attending, just their experimental kids.

Mind you the movie makers were clever as there were no nude scenes or violence, but the movie was hard selling deviant sexual behavior and drugs.

In other countries that have rating systems it would have been rated pg 12, maybe even a U and this is according to a different culture.

Now back to the point, as a local enthusiastic about embracing an even lesser restricted 'movie culture' as all the fine film festivals and developed countries do.

We are not talking about Elizabeth Taylors Cleopatra or The ten commandments or even The Godfather.

Tastes have changed, you will find offerings by acclaimed 'abstract artists of the silver screen' such as the maker of the movie The Antichrist which premiered during the Competition portion of the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.[25] Charlotte Gainsbourg won the Cannes Film Festival's award for Best Actress.[23]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antichrist_(film)

Here is an excerpt below:-

She hits His te*ti*les with a wooden plank so hard that it is implied they are crushed. While He is unconscious, she ma*tu*bat*s him until he ej*cul*tes blood. She then drills a hole through his shin to bolt him onto a grindstone. In a later scene, She cuts off her own cl*tor*s with a pair of rusty scissors.[30]

Some of the cultured reviews from the website rottentomatoes- a well known movie review site have said

-Antichrist is one of the best films of the year, if not the decade. D.K. Holm

Quick Stop Entertainment

- It’s thrilling to see that von Trier’s vicious sense of mischief, his moviemaking skill and his desire to smash limits and expectations all remain undimmed. However you swallow it, this bizarre, hysterical melodrama is impossible to ignore. Jonathan Crocker

Little White Lies

-Antichrist is something to be experienced rather than understood, at least at a first viewing, and it concludes in the visionary epilogue on a tone of tragic tranquillity. Philip French

Observer [UK]

I ask you just because "it shouldn't be censored(As many posters have already implied )this is already followed in festivals around the world (even in our region)" does that mean this the type of culture you would like the people of Qatar to embrace?

NUCLEAR WEAPONS: IF AMERICA AND ISRAEL CAN HAVE THEM - THEN SO SHOULD IRAN.

Dali said genesis, as a local yourself are you pro or against censorship in Qatar?

I'm pro-censorship at movie theaters in Qatar. Simply because there is no awareness or viewing discretion advised or even enforced. How many times you've been to the movies here and watch kids without their parents in a film that should be rated R for violence & disturbing images ?

As for film festivals, it shouldn't be censored(As many posters have already implied )this is already followed in festivals around the world (even in our region)

As for DTFF, we don't have a Movie culture here. And i don't see what's the harm of hosting such event( There seems to be a lot of locals excited about the event from the number of fans at DTFF Facebook page & discussion threads at local public forums). Although, i thought it's a little too soon

shouldn't they have built more movie theaters first that can accommodate such events?I mean in my recent visit to China i was really surprised how state of art cinemas can be found in industrial cities like Guangzhou.

that is not the truth, albeit maybe not PC in your view.

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

that means PR. BTW, I have met a number of the Indians with G-T and the Peninsula here so indeed I may have met you :-)

And why are you offended? Isn't your point to praise the country you get your bread and butter from. It is not my intention to insult you but to explain where you may be coming from. After all, what you write and how well it is received by TPTB is your bread and butter....

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

You have not even met me or followed my line of work, yet you say I work in the PR sector. I really don't want to take this any further. I've had enough. You do what you feel is right, and I shall do likewise.

And Dali, I DO NOT write posts with the intention of taking it to the front page or 'featured'. If whoever is running the site feels that the post is worth a front page, then they decide on that.

That's the last on this topic from me. Over and out.

for the films to be returned to view the results. It's amazing what money can buy! lol

:-P

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

Oh well...let's see what happens.

But at least we can guarantee there's no large sports event bid to lose or waste money on this one as they set up the preparations already. ;-P

"Everything in this book may be wrong." Illusions: The Adventures of The Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach

It will not change censorship here. In fact, they have been able to pay off the directors to censor their own films so that they can be shown here.

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

Greeker is part of the PR mechanism that in other countries is referred to as Media. And yes, I believe his posts are frequently featured because they are part of the "good PR" for Qatar.

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

genesis, as a local yourself are you pro or against censorship in Qatar?

Secondly when you say 'here it is' as a response to lack of culture, are you defining the recruitment of the DTFF as a cultural introduction to the country?

NUCLEAR WEAPONS: IF AMERICA AND ISRAEL CAN HAVE THEM - THEN SO SHOULD IRAN.

There have been many film festivals in the region for decades now in Cairo & Marrakesh. And Censorship was never an issue.

Maybe the people at DTFF are testing the waters. and will go without censoring in the upcoming years.

Maybe DTFF didn't want to create a controversial first year & have a bad hype among the locals.

Some of you complain that there are no cultural activities in the Country. Well, here it is

Maybe first wait till the opening before criticizing them

@ genesis,censorship is censorship mate...@ a film festival especially one aspiring to be a world-reknowned one such as the DTFF,it doesn't matter weather it's all of it or some of it,censorship completely defeats the purpose of a film festival...

Where passes?

I find it strange that one of the officially selected films "Scheherazade:tell me a story", is shown at cinemas across doha since yesterday. Good movie. However, it was heavily censored!!!

I wonder whether it will be censored "the same way" when they show it at DTFF?

Contrary to public opinion about PM & those calling her a Queen complainer etc, I'll step up as one who has been the recipient of her sharp attitude..

This doesn't mean I'd dismiss her views when she states valid points and she does convincingly many times.

And you can't claim she is anti-Qatar because if you had followed her posts you'd notice she praises them when praise is due, and criticizes when she forms her personal opinions. Either debate objectively but no need for sweeping judgment..

Speaking of such, PM you wrote of Greeker "You have to understand that Greeker is employed in the PR sector" would that be why most of his threads are featured on QL?

NUCLEAR WEAPONS: IF AMERICA AND ISRAEL CAN HAVE THEM - THEN SO SHOULD IRAN.

But on topic: If the said film festival may change the way censorship and international exposure works around here, why not? Doesn't hurt to try at least once. :-)

"Everything in this book may be wrong." Illusions: The Adventures of The Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach

:P

thanks 4 da info

Pay peanuts & you get Monkeys

But I am not blind or a b*tt kisser! :-P

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

Must admit that PM tends to be quite critical of anything Qatari. I wonder if she actally lives here :-P

Busted?

the details are available months before the event, I have my tickets bought and paid for 2 months in advance having been furnihed with timings, dates venues etc. Tickets are posted out usually a month before the gig.

It's not rocket science.

"Deaths in the Bible. God - 2,270,365

not including the victims of Noah's flood, Sodom and Gomorrah, or the

many plagues, famines, fiery serpents, etc because no specific numbers

were given. Satan - 10."

and that may affect his ability to be unbiased and generate or respond to constructive criticism. :-P

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

@ Greeker,as i've mentioned before,your optimism is admirable but this country has proved time & again on various issues/projects that they simply don't understand the concept of a timeline, on anything from a roadworks project to a film fest & everything in between...again,as i've mentioned before,your job requires optimism about Qatar, primarily in the sports arena but as is clear,for you,that optimism extends beyond sports,yes i know,please don't repeat the "i earn my bread & butter from them" story,i understand your point of view,i definitely don't accept it but i understand it, however,that changes NOTHING in terms of the reality of the situation...the DTFF site hasn't mentioned venues,timings,tickets availability,NOTHING & we're into October here & on the one side you have this Palmer chick waxing eloquant about this being a "community event"...wonder which community she's referring to?...oh yes of course,the West Bay lagoon residing CEO/wives who shop/lunch community,silly me,here i'm thinking she's referring to the actual good cinema appreciating residents of this country...pardon my naivete...& yes,they can learn a thing or two from the UAE...in every arena from roadworks to film festivals...here they're toying with a 2022 bid while Abu Dhabi hosts it's inaugral F1 Grand Prix @ a beautiful sea side marina circuit built from scratch on what was an idea on paper a mere couple of years back...these clowns have WAAAAY more money than the UAE (or Bahrain for that matter,which also has an F1 circuit),so how come they had to settle for 2nd best with the much touted Losail circuit...one very simple answer...unlike the UAE & Bahrain,they lack the vision,like it or not Greeker,that's the fact of the matter...

What have I written that is not true? I speak from the industry perspective, not the promotional "media" like you. In fact, I have had several Qataris write me and tell me I am spot on about this and the Qataris I have spoken with who are also involved and interested are in agreement.

I will be seeing the 11 films I listed above in Abu Dhabi and I will be viewing many of the new ones being shown here in Doha (before leaving for a conference in Spain that overlaps with DTFF and is also sponsored by the same Qatari entities -- again VERY poor planning).

Sorry if I "grate" but I find your starry-eyed PR a bit grating, too. I guess we have to live with that, huh? :-P

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

You're really starting to grate with your ultra doomsday attitude about anything Qatar.

Does this mean that you will not be seeing any movies at the DTFF? Am just curious and no malice intended.

their working timeline. They need to learn from Dubai (DIFF) and Abu Dhabi (MEIFF) and not manage things in typical Qatar fashion next time (i.e., delay, delay, delay and then rush).

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

A list of really diverse films. Looking forward to ssing the Coen Brothers and John Woo films..

thank you very much for the info.

unfortunately it came in a little late.

why do we have to post everything at the last moment?

@ the festivals web site the list of films is available. but there is nothing on the timeline. so we cant know the time and place a particular film will play.

this may be ok for most of you. but we who come in all the way from Ras Laffan or Al-Khor only have one shot at watching a movie.

and it really is not nice to go to a place and find out the movie, any movie is no more.

so now we feel left out.

Burnout.

And I will be attending both MEIFF and DIFF (in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, respectfully) where there is no censorship and where many of these films will be making their Middle Eastern (and in some cases, World) Premiers 2 weeks before DTFF, as well as being shown in their entirety.

BTW, the films in Tribeca are being re-cut by their directors who are told what can and cannot fly. I'm interested in how many directors are willing to comply but apparently they are.

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

these comments are worth keepin a watch on!...

speak your mind lads!

Well said Gadarene, censorship and cuts to a movie is like hiding a piece of La Gioconda, for instance, by a duct tape to cover her cleavage!!!

Cutting movies is an insult to the creator and the audience. yet we have no choice.

Thanks for the info Greeker.

Yalla!

Is Ms. Palmer expressing surprise @ being asked "why Doha?"...i can't imagine anyone in their right mind not asking that question..."censorship has been kept to a minimum"...ROTFL!!!...would someone tell this woman that any credible film festival anywhere on the planet has NO censorship whatsoever,it defeats the very purpose of the festival...the story so far,if it's not completely obvious to everybody yet...vast,obscene sums of money were thrown @ the Tribeca people in NY(i use the terms vast & obscene as anything less wouldn't have been able to get a certain Mr.De Niro's approval) to allow these clowns to host this here...Ms.Palmer is also obviously receiving the biggest pay check she's ever seen in her life to head things here,but obviously she's going to toe the line...@ PM,the answer to your question is & always will be an emphatic NO...but hey,money talks & B.S walks,i give you the now walking Doha tribeca film festival...*wink*!!

Executive director of DTFF, Amanda Palmer, explained that she has been asked on numerous occasions: “Why Doha? Why did the festival need to come to Qatar?”

[...]

Palmer claimed that the community aspect had been of utmost importance when she first began discussing a festival in Doha, and after two years of consideration, it was decided that Tribeca held similar values to those that Qatar wanted to bring to its shores. Palmer and her colleagues were keen to point out the cultural relevance of DTFF as well as the efforts the team have made to ensure that it is something of which Qataris can feel proud. A local member of the team explained “we are all about family and community,” adding “we are here to make sure the festival is both appropriate and a good representation of Qatar.”

Palmer claimed that the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage had been “amazingly supportive” throughout the process of organising the festival and she described their attitude towards film as “progressive.”

She explained that censorship had been kept to a minimum and assured viewers that any cuts have not affected major scenes or narratives. She added that DTFF would be rating the movies but emphasized that they had not been negatively impacted at all by censorship. [NOTE: Try asking the directors how much they approve of these cuts that don't affect major scenes or narratives -- lol}

“It is vital that we gain credibility amongst filmmakers if we want to continue to grow,” she said, adding “and we cannot do that by cutting their films.”

“This festival is not about sterilising storytelling, it is about reflecting daily life, and happily I have had no challenges or trouble so far,” claimed Palmer.

for full article see: http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=317423&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16

Can censorship and a serious film festival meant to promote artistic license and creative development in Qatar co-exist?

This should be interesting.... :-)

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

MEIFF in Abu Dhabi Oct. 8 - 17, not to mention that some were shown in MEIFF and DIFF last year. Once again, the Gulf States seem to be competing against each other rather than cooperating and pooling resources. One third of the screenings are duplicating other local/regional film festivals including:

1. About Elly (Asghar Farhadi)

5. Buried Secrets (Raja Amari)

10. The Informant! (Steven Soderbergh)

14. No One Knows About the Persian Cats (Bahman Ghobadi)

15. Only When I Dance (Beadie Finzi)

16. Pomegranates and Myrrh (Najwa Najjar) (Shown at DIFF in 2008)

21. The September Issue (RJ Cutler)

24. Scherazade: Tell Me A Story (Yousry Nasrallah)

25. Son of Babylon (Mohamed Al Daradji)

28. Time That Remains (Elia Suleiman)

32. Capitalism – A Love Story (Michael Moore)

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

such a big fan of michael moore films...im also interested to see coco before chanel:)

for updates. They can be reached at www.dohatribecafilm.com

If you have a facebook account, you could also join the fan group at http://www.facebook.com/DohaTribecaFilmFestival?ref=ts

These guys are great at keeping updated. You'll get a treasure trove of information in these sites. Join up. If you indeed like movies, then you're gonna love the Doha Tribeca.

oh, thanks Greeker :)

so where we can get the tickets? I love film festivales

*********************

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small compared to what lies within us."

Oliver Wendell Holmes

The movie Amelia will officially release only in january, 2010. Dohaites have a chance to watch the movie the same day as the dignitaries do, on the opening day. There will be public screenings at the MIA grounds, unlike one's you've ever seen before.

I should have written - The public will be given a chance to watch the opening night movie, Amelia, AND OTHERS... My bad. I apologise for the wrong impression I might have given.

sorry, i missed something... The public will be given a chance to watch ONLY ONE MOVIE??

*********************

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small compared to what lies within us."

Oliver Wendell Holmes

thx for the info!