Latest news with #Qumra2025
Broadcast Pro
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Qumra 2025 screens six films supported by Doha Film Institute
The selection includes narratives and documentaries from emerging and established filmmakers supported by DFI. Doha Film Institute has announced a lineup of seven feature films supported by the Institute for the Qumra 2025 screenings programme, running until April 9. These critically acclaimed works represent some of the most distinctive and bold independent voices in emerging cinema. Now in its 11th edition, Qumra continues to serve as a dynamic incubator for cinematic talent, presenting 49 projects from 23 countries, including several from Qatari and Qatar-based filmmakers. The programme underscores Qatar's growing creative footprint and the Institute's commitment to nurturing emerging storytellers. The Qumra 2025 Screenings will be open to the public, with tickets available for individual events or Qumra Passes granting access to the full programme—including masterclasses by an esteemed group of Qumra Masters 2025: acclaimed filmmakers and artists Lav Diaz, Darius Khondji, Walter Salles, Anna Terrazas, and Johnnie To. Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute, said: 'Qumra 2025 Screenings highlights our ongoing commitment to powerful storytelling that pushes creative boundaries and amplifies diverse perspectives. These films present the artistic vision and technical expertise of emerging filmmakers from across the world who are making significant contributions to cinema. We are honoured to have supported their journey and to open doors to a wider audience for their films at Qumra.' Rising Up at Night (Democratic Republic of Congo, Belgium, Germany, Burkina Faso, Qatar) by Nelson Makengo examines the hope, disappointment and religious faith of Tongo Saa, a subtle and fragmented portrait of a population that despite its challenges is sublimated by the beauty of Kinshasa's nights. Moondove (Lebanon, Netherlands, Qatar) by Karim Kassem presents a poetic narrative set in a mountain village grappling with severe drought, where an annual theatrical tradition becomes a metaphor for broader societal changes. Red Path (Tunisia, France, Belgium, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) by Lotfi Achour tells the haunting story of young shepherd Achraf, whose life is forever changed after the traumatic death of his cousin. MA – Cry of Silence (Myanmar, South Korea, France, Singapore, Norway, Qatar) by The Maw Naing follows Mi-Thet, a young garment factory worker whose involvement in a labour strike awakens her political consciousness and connects her to Myanmar's complex history of resistance. East of Noon (Netherlands, Egypt, Qatar) by Hala Elkoussy weaves a satirical fable about artistic freedom and resistance through the story of Abdo, a musician challenging authority by creating art in a confined world. Demba (Senegal, Germany, Qatar) directed by Mamadou Dia charts how a man struggling with grief and depression with the anniversary of his wife's death nearing, finds solace reconnecting with his estranged son. The screenings will be held at the Museum of Islamic Art Auditorium.
Broadcast Pro
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Qumra 2025 opens with record global participation
Qumra 2025 has welcomed accomplished industry professionals from 50 nations to provide constructive feedback during one-on-one sessions and specially curated industry consultations Doha Film Institute's flagship talent incubator, Qumra, launched its 11th edition on April 4, bringing together over 250 international film industry professionals in Doha to mentor emerging filmmakers and support the development of bold new voices in Arab and global cinema. The in-person component runs through April 9, with online sessions scheduled from April 12 to 14, offering extended access to expert guidance for filmmakers at various stages of development. This year's Qumra marks a record-breaking level of international participation, with industry representatives from 50 countries—the largest and most diverse gathering to date. Delegates hail from across the globe, including Argentina, Ethiopia, Myanmar, Luxembourg, Burkina Faso, Taiwan and beyond. Reflecting its growing global relevance, the event emphasizes voices from the Global South, spotlighting creative talent from Asia, Africa and Latin America, and reaffirming DFI's commitment to supporting underrepresented storytellers in world cinema. This year's mentorship for Qumra filmmakers will extend beyond in-person meetings from April 4 to 9 to include online sessions from April 12 to 14, further expanding access to the invaluable guidance of industry experts that will support the success of their projects. Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of Doha Film Institute, said: 'The presence of industry experts at Qumra is more than just guidance—it is a powerful catalyst for transformation. By sharing their knowledge, experience, and networks, these mentors empower new voices to carve their space on the global stage, ensuring that diverse and compelling stories find their rightful place in the world. We are deeply grateful to these experts for joining us in our commitment to the next generation of global storytellers and for their invaluable support in helping shape the future of world cinema.' This year's edition features 27 feature-length films, 10 series and 12 short films at different stages of development, production and post-production. Each participating project team will receive customised consultations from internationally renowned mentors and consultants through one-on-one meetings, roundtables, and workshops. Renowned filmmakers such as Elia Suleiman, Rithy Panh, Annemarie Jacir, Ghassan Salhab, Kamal Aljafari, Tala Hadid and Talal Derki return as key mentors, guiding participants with their creative insight and experience. The lineup of project consultants includes prominent figures like Brigid O'Shea, Sebastián Sepúlveda, Dora Bouchoucha, Bob Moore and Zsuzsi Bankuti, among many others, while experts specializing in series and short films will also be on hand to offer strategic and narrative support. Qumra's influence extends beyond the weeklong event, with many mentors engaged in DFI's year-round training programs such as the Filmmaking Lab, Producers Lab, Feature Script Lab and First Cut Lab. Notably, 21 of this year's selected projects have evolved from these developmental initiatives, underscoring Qumra's role in cultivating long-term growth for emerging artists. A wide range of production companies and producers, including Abbout Productions, Film Clinic, Katara Studios, The Film House, and Watermelon Pictures, are attending, alongside representatives from major international film festivals such as Cannes, Sundance, Venice, Locarno and Karlovy Vary. These industry leaders will participate in feedback panels and offer professional insights during work-in-progress screenings. Sales and distribution companies including Films Boutique, Memento International, Luxbox, and MAD Solutions are also in attendance, as are influential broadcasters and streaming platforms such as HBO Max, Mubi, Shahid, OSN, Al Jazeera and Arte France. Film institutes and funding bodies such as CNC, Eurimages, Sundance Institute, and The Whickers add further strength to the event's financial and development ecosystem. Leading training labs and development platforms like EAVE, La Fabrique des Cinémas du Monde, Torino Film Lab, and Locarno Open Doors are present, ensuring that participants gain access to the latest industry strategies and global opportunities. Additionally, key players from the drama and series markets such as Miramax, Series Mania, Rise Studios and ZDF Studios will offer valuable input for serialized content. Throughout the week, Qumra will host a wide array of professional activities, including masterclasses, project pitching, curated matchmaking sessions, and feedback forums—all designed to provide emerging talent with meaningful pathways to success. Public screenings of DFI-supported films will also take place alongside the industry programme, allowing local and international audiences to engage with the fruits of these collaborations.
Web Release
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
Qumra 2025 by Doha Film Institute to Nurture 18 Promising Projects from Qatar
Doha Film Institute has announced a lineup of 18 projects by Qatari and Qatar-based filmmakers for the 11th edition of Qumra, underlining the remarkable continuing growth of the local film industry. The selection includes innovative narratives spanning features and shorts in various stages of development and production. The annual talent incubator for Arab and international cinema, Qumra 2025 will be held in-person in Doha from April 4 to 9 and online from April 12 to 14. Qatari projects are among 49 diverse projects by emerging filmmakers from 23 countries at this year's edition. Qumra offers mentorship, skills development, and network-building opportunities to selected projects by first- and second-time filmmakers. Among the Qumra projects this year from Qatar, nine are by Qatari nationals who present compelling themes spanning multiple genres. Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute, said: 'The strong representation of local projects at Qumra 2025 is a testament to the passion, resilience, and creative strength of our storytellers. It signals the emergence of a truly vibrant film industry that is bold, authentic and ready to make its mark on the world. At DFI, we are honoured to have contributed to this creative movement, providing filmmakers with the support to bring their unique voices to the global stage.' Qatar-based projects at Qumra 2025 includes: Development – Feature Narrative: Love 45 (Syria, France, Switzerland, Qatar) by Anas Khalaf is about an overweight Lebanese man who is caught in a destructive spiral, and how he finds the path back towards hope. The Pearl (Working Title) (Qatar) by Noor Al-Nasr is about a tech-obsessed Qatari teen, feeling disconnected from his family, who travels back in time to an era before his beloved technology existed and pearl diving was the main source of income. In Production – Feature Narrative Sari & Amira (Qatar) by A.J. Al-Thani follows an outlaw Bedouin bandit couple who, while navigating the unforgiving sands of Wadi Sakheema, discover a mythical relic that holds the key to their survival but also awakens ancient forces that could destroy them and their world. Work-in-progress– Feature Narrative Cotton Queen (Sudan, Germany, France, Palestine, Egypt, Qatar) by Suzannah Mirghani is about Nafisa, who was raised on her grandmother's stories of battling British colonisers as she sets out to save the cotton fields from a modern threat. Work-in-progress- Feature Documentary or Essay Jodari Meno (Qatar) by Dr. Jamal Rashid Al-Khanji is about Jamal, who embarks on the adventure of a lifetime to catch the largest dogtooth tuna, only to discover that what he was really after didn't lie in the depth of the sea but deep inside him. Development – TV or Web Series Task Force: Apocalypse! (Palestine, Qatar) by Dana J. Altrach and Anne Sobel is about a hapless environmental task force that accidentally creates climate chaos across their tiny island country. Development – Short Narratives Ghafla (Lebanon, Qatar) by Tony El Ghazal is about a precise watchmaker who races against the clock to craft the perfect watch for his only daughter. Gharbalah (Yemen, Qatar) by Afnan Tag is about longtime housekeeper Sita, who secretly searches through packed belongings to retrieve a treasured keepsake before it's lost forever. Inside the White Canvas (Qatar) by Amna Al-Binali is about Nora, who struggles to earn her father's approval as her growing curiosity about the forbidden outside world threatens to unravel their fragile bond. Rumor Has It (Qatar) by Mohammed D. Fakhro follows a Qatari food blogger who subscribes to an AI app that promises to earn him more followers. Sad Boy: The Movie (Qatar) by N&LS follows a grief-stricken boy as he navigates his pain and haunting memories, embarking on an emotional journey towards healing and self-discovery. Development – Short Documentary or Essay Me Are You (Lebanon, Qatar) by Myriam Salloum explores how generational trauma seeps into various aspects of life, manifesting and festering across generations, leading to devastating effects. Post-Production – Work-in-progress – Short Narratives Abu Fanoos (Qatar, Morocco) by Amira Abujbara and Horia El Hadad is about an ageing grandfather who seeks to protect his grandson from an eerie presence in the dark. Light to Ashes (Qatar) by Nadia Al-Khater is about a warrior-poet who is thrust into his past, where he must reckon with the inescapable pull of fate. Qadha' w Qadar (Qatar) by Maryam Al-Mohammed is about a young woman who defies societal shame and her mother's disapproval to seek a divorce and finally claim her freedom and independence. Post-Production – Work-in-progress – Short Documentary or Essay Bel Falastini (Jordan, Qatar) by Obada Jarbi is about a man searching for a home for himself and his family, navigating the complexities of identity, belonging, and the refugee experience. 'The Sounds of Silence' (Colombia, USA, Qatar) by Sebastian Delascasas, a return to Doha after five years forces a confrontation with memory, language, and loss as a son grapples with his mother's illness and the shifting meaning of home. Post-Production – Picture Lock – Short Documentary or Essay Villa 187 (Sudan, Qatar) by Eiman Mirghani documents her family's house—and the memories that made it a home—for over 30 years. The talents will attend masterclasses and mentorship sessions by this year's Qumra Masters Lav Diaz, Darius Khondji, Walter Salles, Anna Terrazas and Johnnie To. Over 200 industry experts will also advise projects on storytelling, filmmaking, directing, editing, cinematography and sound, focusing on the specific needs of each project. The public can access the full Qumra experience of Qumra Master Classes and Qumra Screenings with the Qumra Pass. Audiences can also enjoy the remarkable selection of Doha Film Institute supported feature-length films from the region and around the world by purchasing individual tickets. For more information about Qumra 2025 and to purchase passes for screenings and master classes, please visit:
Broadcast Pro
22-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
DFI's Qumra 2025 selects 49 projects from 20+ countries
The diverse selection includes feature narratives, documentaries, shorts and series in various stages of production. Doha Film Institute (DFI) is gearing up for the 11th edition of Qumra, its annual talent incubator dedicated to nurturing emerging voices in Arab and international cinema. This year's programme will provide support to 49 projects from over 20 countries, underscoring DFI's commitment to fostering global storytelling. Among them, 16 projects are spearheaded by Qatari and Qatar-based filmmakers, reflecting the growing strength of the nation's creative industry. Qumra 2025 offers a platform for mentorship, skills development and networking, helping filmmakers refine their craft and bring their cinematic visions to life. The event will feature in-depth discussions and workshops with Qumra Masters and leading industry professionals. In-person sessions will take place in Doha from April 4 to 9, followed by online engagements from April 12 to 14, ensuring broad access to expertise and resources. Speaking about the selected projects, Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of Doha Film Institute, said: 'For more than a decade, Qumra has served as a career-changing destination for emerging filmmakers to hone their skills and advance their projects under the guidance of accomplished filmmakers and industry experts. As a one-of-its-kind talent incubator, we continue to build on our legacy of supporting some of the world's most exciting storytellers throughout their film journey. At a time when filmmakers need support the most – not just financial but also creative and technical, Qumra demonstrates the role we can play collectively to shape the next generation of creative masters.' She added: 'The diversity of this year's subjects and cinematic approach of the young filmmakers reflects the growing strength of independent cinema. These bold new voices bring to the world stories that matter, promoting a stronger understanding of humanity and our shared values. We are honoured to support several projects from Qatar that proudly demonstrate the impact of our commitment to shaping a vibrant homegrown film industry.' This year's selection includes a diverse mix of feature narratives, documentaries, and television or web series at various stages of development, production and post-production. The projects span a wide range of themes and genres, with filmmakers hailing from Palestine, Algeria, Iraq, Lebanon, South Korea, Mexico, and beyond. Many of these works explore deeply personal and socially relevant topics, showcasing the power of cinema as a medium for cultural expression and storytelling. A significant portion of the selected projects—37 in total—are recipients of DFI's Grants Programme, highlighting the Institute's role in supporting independent cinema. Additionally, 21 projects are alumni of DFI's year-round training initiatives, including the Feature Script Lab, Filmmaking Lab with Rithy Panh, Producers Lab and Series Lab. This holistic approach reinforces DFI's mission to cultivate new talent and provide comprehensive support from script development to final production. Beyond the industry-focused activities, Qumra also invites the public to engage with the event. Audiences can participate in Qumra Master Classes through the Qumra Pass and attend Qumra Screenings, which will feature a curated selection of acclaimed films from the region and beyond. These screenings celebrate the art of filmmaking and reinforce DFI's commitment to amplifying diverse voices, fostering cross-cultural dialogue, and strengthening the global presence of independent Arab cinema. The Qumra 2025 lineup features a diverse selection of projects across various stages of development, production, and post-production, highlighting the breadth of talent supported by the Doha Film Institute. In the Development – Feature Narrative category, selected projects include The Good Spirit (Palestine, UK, Qatar) by Razan Madhoon, The Joyful 1926 (Algeria, France, Qatar) by Damien Ounouri and Adila Bendimerad, The Pearl (Working Title) (Qatar) by Noor Al-Nasr, and Quarter to Thursday (Algeria, France, Qatar) by Sofia Djama. Meanwhile, the Development – Feature Documentary or Essay category features In the Name of Safia (Algeria, Belgium, France, Qatar) by Safia Kessas, Just Like a Dream (Lebanon, Qatar) by Corine Shawi, The Sixth Story (Iraq, UK, Qatar) by Ahmed Abd, and Speak Image, Speak (Palestine, Germany, Qatar) by Pary El-Qalqili. In the In Production – Feature Narrative section, notable projects include In Memory of Times to Come by Larissa Sansour, Love 45 by Anas Khalaf, Sari & Amira by A.J. Al-Thani and Sound of Silence by Joyce A. Nashawati. The In-Production – Feature Documentary or Essay category includes Climbing the Mountains by Sabrina Chebbi and Flower of the Sand by Jaouad Babili. Several projects have reached the Post-Production – Feature Narrative – Picture Lock stage, such as Cotton Queen by Suzannah Mirghani, The Fin by Syeyoung Park, Marie & Jolie by Erige Sehiri, The President's Cake by Hasan Hadi, The Reserve by Pablo Pérez Lombardini, Roqia by Yanis Koussim and Sleepless City by Guillermo García López. Additionally, the Post-Production – Feature Documentary or Essay – Picture Lock section includes Fatna, a Woman Named Rachid by Hélène Harder, Mother of Silence by Zahraa Ghandour, Once Upon a Time in Shiraz by Hamed Zolfaghari and Souraya Mon Amour by Nicolas Khoury. Work-in-progress projects in the Post-Production – Feature Documentary or Essay category include The Day of Wrath: Tales from Tripoli by Rania Rafei and Jodari Meno by Dr. Jamal Rashid Al-Khanji. Meanwhile, in the Development – TV or Web Series category, selected works include Al-Michelin by Abdul-Rahman, (Dis)Closed by Aida Kaadan, Dirty Hands by Georges Hazim and Maya Dagher, Last Words by Antoine Waked, The Lost City by Chantel Clark, Nadine by Amina Abdelwahab and Claire Saint-Pierre, Palmyra by Carol Mezher and Gabriela Flores, Rent-a-Mama by Dania Bdeir, and Task Force: Apocalypse! by Dana J. Atrach and Anne Sobel. The Showcase – TV or Web Series section features El'Sardines by Zoulikha Tahar. In the Development – Short Narratives category, Ghafla by Tony El Ghazal, Gharbalah by Afnan Tag, Inside the White Canvas by Amna Al-Binali, Rumor Has It by Mohammed D. Fakhro, and Sad Boy: The Movie by N&LS are among the selected projects. Meanwhile, Me Are You (Lebanon, Qatar) by Myriam Salloum is part of the Development – Short Documentary or Essay category. For Post-Production – Work-in-progress – Short Narratives, projects include Abu Fanoos by Amira Abujbara and Horia El Hadad, Light to Ashes by Nadia Al-Khater, and Qadha' w Qadar by Maryam Al-Mohammed. The Post-Production – Work-in-progress – Short Documentary or Essay section features Bel Falastini by Obada Jarbi and The Sounds of Silence by Sebastian Delascasas. Lastly, in the Post-Production – Picture Lock – Short Documentary or Essay category, Villa 187 by Eiman Mirghani has been selected.
